"A certain paranoia runs through the songs of local trio the Vita Ruins. Foreboding electronics linger under the surface of most songs on the band's new album, "A Day Without a Name," while the atmospheric guitars and moaning vocals add a hint of desperation. Think of the band as a less bombastic version of Muse; the message that we're living in a hopeless, future age is similar, but instead of combating that dire situation with overblown histrionics as Muse does, Vita Ruins soaks up those anxieties and piles on more layers of sound." -The Washington Post
"Building their own recording studio isn’t the only evidence of the Vita Ruins’ dedication to their music. Every note and effect on this album feels as though it is in precisely the right place, and every second that needs to be is filled with as much sound as possible. The Vita Ruins effectively blend fuzzy guitars and funky electronic beats, creating ambient atmospheres and rocking moments. A Day Without A Name has a unique sound and is a cohesive and enjoyable album." -Bloginity
"My favorite of the night was “Seven Suns.” I was lucky enough to grab a copy of the album before the show and this song really stood out to me both recorded and live. This song possesses the same shimmery electronic gold that gave“ Ok Computer” its legendary status. Although comparisons to Radiohead get tiresome to say the least, if anyone pulls it off it is The Vita Ruins." -District of Sound
"With their chainsaw guitars, atmospheric overtones, and sultry vocal track, The Vita Ruins are a band that should gain attention with their debut release, A Day Without A Name. After picking up shows around the DC area and finally taking it to the studio, we’re left with 11 fresh tracks that produce a balance of euphoria and disdain, assertion and reflection, highs and lows." -Murmur DC
"The Vita Ruins are about to break and you better take a listen." -DCist
"STANDOUT TRACK: No. 2, “Alien,” a gothic, club-friendly recasting of the UFO themes on the Pixies’ Trompe le Monde. The song kicks off with what sounds like a burning spacecraft plummeting to Earth." -Washington City Paper
The Vita Ruins are an indie band based out of Washington D.C, started by Tim Kratzer (Vocal, Guitars, Bass and Keyboards) and Greg Balleza (Guitars, Bass, Keyboards and Vocals) in 2005.
While the Vita Ruins might have formed in 2005, these two musicians musical relationship dates back over a decade where they have collaborated in other musical endeavors going as far back as high school. The culmination of these musical efforts led to the formation of The Vita Ruins whose distinct sound brings a cutting edge quality that transcends your traditional indie rock.
The band released its first EP entitled “Thanks for Your Concern (But We’re Okay)” in 2006 with the helpof bassist Dave Phillips and drummer Mike Seaner. In addition to Dave and Mike, other members of The Vita Ruins have included bassist Ian Wright and current drummer Rob Hart. The band built a devoted, local fan base after the release of their EP and performed a numberof shows at leading music clubs in D.C., including The Black Cat and the 9:30 Club. The Vita Ruins have also have had the opportunity to open for national acts such as KENNA, VHS or Beta, Snowden and Malajube.
Since 2007, Tim and Greg have built their own recording studio where they were able to engineer, mix and produce their album without the time and cost-restraints of a traditional studio. Here they were able to achieve the creativity and nuanced sound that defines their style. While neither had any formal training or background in recording and sound engineering, they successfully self-taught themselves the entire process from the first steps of instrument tracking all the way through mixing, editing and producing before sending the final mix downs out for mastering. While it was arduous at times, the countless number of hours, days and nights spent there were well worth the effort and knowledge in the end.
In March 2010, they released their first full-length album “A Day Without A Name" to stellar reviews. The Vita Ruins bring their recordings live to the audience with a unique mix of real-time electronics, indie rock, and their sonic, dark, but raw atmospheric style.
