Post-modern, moody, experimental rock with an electronic-pop twist. Bittersweet they project, quiet coolness they possess. A massive sound meant for arenas. Vary Lumar is this.
Their musical collective was born in 2006. Soon after, the four bandmates put out a lo-fi EP, cut their teeth in the clubs of Boston and NYC, and inhabited a chaotic, rat-plagued Allston, MA homestead. Vary Lumar's debut album, "Waiting Room" [2008], unveiled the band's dynamic style. The disc was honored by Performer Magazine as Album of the Month in July '08, and received airplay on over 150 radio stations nationwide. As they continued to carve out a place for themselves in the Boston music scene, the band started experimenting with new material, electronic sounds, and drum & bass grooves, developing a new musical identity for Vary Lumar.
"The Jig Is Up" [2011], Vary Lumar's second full-length album, is released upon the arrival to a new place by the four. Having endured a near-breakup during the making of their last EP, 'Plasticolor Coma' [2009], and a triumphant battle with Hodgkin's Disease by lead-singer/songwriter Paul DePasquale, the band has conjured up a certain confidence, an improved understanding of their friendship, and the vision that guides their current sonic direction. Lyrically, "The Jig Is Up" expresses with brutal honesty the hollowness of man, while being forced to take a hard look at oneself.
"Life is realizing what you want and what you don't need," says DePasquale, who is the primary songwriter for the band. He and the other members of VL are understated in their stature, but strong in their conviction. They look the part, but don't have to try. Their priority has always been the music - the sounds, the messages within the lyrics, the creativity and innovation, the big picture.
In the last year, Vary Lumar has entered the licensing business with song placements in commercials by Bassike Clothing and Anthropologie. The songs "Basin" and "Waiting Room" were also featured in an ad for Soles For Souls which aired at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival.
Vary Lumar's live show is as ebullient and extraterrestrial as that of Pink Floyd, The Cure or Radiohead. With expert musicianship [Robert Laff dancing on electric bass, Rob Fusco and his excitable energy on drums, Ben Case on lead guitar experimenting with effects, and DePasquale with his sinuous vocals on guitar and keyboards] and a penchant for progressive artistry, the performance allows no space for an attendee to leave unimpressed.
Those who have experienced Vary Lumar are getting the message, and the buzz is that this band undoubtedly needs to be heard.
