David Vandervelde Rocks Out IOTA

Two singer-songwriters (both of whom likely despise that label) took the stage backed by full bands, sporting electric guitars and plenty of amplifiers, and played some rock 'n' roll to a lonely few listeners at last night.

Weeknight crowds at IOTA are typically rather sparse, but yesterday evening's crowd was particularly diminutive. However, rowdy and crowded or deserted and awkwardly quiet, a show at IOTA is always enjoyable. The tap beer selection is tasty and well-chosen, the wood beam interior is always cozy, the acoustics superb, and the acts consistently good. Last night was no different.

But while IOTA concerts are a dependable good time, there is one other more unfortunate consistency: the opening act is routinely poor in comparison to the headliner. Again, last night was no exception.

Fences was the culprit on this particular night, taking the stage first, and self-admittedly wielding rented musical equipment. Rented or not, the equipment couldn't be blamed for the band's generic sound. Down-trodden lyrics, and melancholy Matchbox-Twenty -like melodies, this was the poor man's version of any late 90s radio rock band: Third Eye Blind, Better than Exra, Tonic, you name it.

Fences's music was not unbearable. At times, certain elements showed promise. The finger-picking and guitar atmospherics were interesting for brief moments, and when the songs slowed down, the lead singer's lilt became more natural and authentic. But never did it all come together, or approach any laudable levels of quality.

Wearing skinny jeans and decked head to toe in tattoos, the band certainly looked the part. But unfortunately, their hipster outfits didn't come with matching musical aptitude.

Thankfully, David Vandervelde, the headliner, was decidely more awesome. Looking like a reincarnated David Foster Wallace (without the signature headband), Vandervelde took the stage with his fellow long-haired bandmates. Unlike the previous act, Vandervelde and company seemed unfazed by the empty dancefloor, and proceeded to blast away, as if to a packed house.

Vandervelde's sound was infectious: a unique blend of roots-rock, Detriot glam-rock, and Beatles-esque-pop. Since his emergence on the scene, Vandervelde has been heralded as a modern day T. Rex (Marc Bolan). But while he showed a propensity for electronic pyrotechnics (his technical guitar skills are superb) and scorching vocals, his hometown of Nashville rang truer than his Bowie influences--sounding more Neil Young and Crazy Horse than the Stooges.

Vandervelde tested out a significant amount of new material at Tuesday's show, songs that will eventually appear on his forthcoming third full-length album. The retro-rocker "More Thank You Feel" and the country-cranker "Beer" were of particular note--oozing boozy-cool and rock 'n' roll flare, and serving as evidence that after two solid albums, Vandervelde is just getting started.

"The Vandervedle Trio," as the lead singer called his band on stage, won't be back to the Metro region any time soon, but have stops in Charlottesville and Baltimore over the next month. Based on their IOTA performance, it won't be long before fans are driving out of their way to see Vandervelde throw down live.