VersaEmerge VersaEmerge
  full reviewuser ratings (72) 
Tracklist:
1. Theatrics
2. The Hider
3. Past Praying For
4. Moments Between Sleep
5. Whisperer
6. Clocks

Ranking: #56 for 2009

user rating
3.8
excellent
Chart.

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  On 14 Lists

4.0
excellent
Adam Thomas STAFF (99 Reviews)

2009-02-11 | 48 comments | 2,717 views

Summary: Parawho?

VerseEmerge's Perceptions EP proved that they weren't just another Paramore clone. Perception's blend of spacey post-hardcore instrumentation and soaring female vocals made it one of the more surprising debuts of 2008. Only three months removed from the release of their debut, VersaEmerge are back with a new release in the form of yet another EP, this time showing off a more subdued side of the band.

VersaEmerge start off their self-titled EP with the eerie Theatrics. Falling somewhere between over-dramatic video game sound clip and Nightmare Before Christmas soundtrack, Theatrics introduces a new element in VersaEmerge's sound, keyboards. Theatrics soon unfolds into the ridiculously catchy, yet still rather ballsy, The Hider. The Hider begins bathed in cold electronics and it breaks into a roaring rocker with singer Sierra Kusterbeck's powerful vocals floating gracefully over silky smooth, Receiving Ends of Sirens'-esque guitar work provided by Blake Harnage and Jerry Pierce. The EP continues with its best track, Moments Between Sleep. Showing off their strong pop sensibilities, Moments Between Sleep brings to mind the best of both Paramore and Mae. Its swirling collection of synths and muted guitar gives way into a majestic chorus driven by one hell of a vocal hook that could easy take the place of That's What You Get or Pressure on your next playlist. Whisperer sees the keyboards take the forefront yet again with a tiptoeing riff that fits the song's darker motif. It almost sounds like a power-pop Evanescence. Guitarist Blake Harnage shows off his pipes on Whisperer as he provides backing vocals on the song. His voice is the typical pop-punk affair but it fits perfectly with Sierra's vocals. VerseEmerge close out their latest EP with a redone version of Clocks, originally found on Perceptions. The guitar melodies that permeated the original version of Clocks have been replaced by an acoustic guitar, bubbly synths and swelling strings turning it into a stirring ballad that closes the EP out in a chilling fashion.

With just two releases under their belts VersaEmerge have catapulted through the endless ranks of pop-punk bands to become a force to be reckoned with. Their self-titled EP just reinforces this. Sure it lacks some of the upfront aggression of their debut, but the powerful songwriting, shimmering guitar work and captivating vocals are all there and just as strong as before.

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Comments:Add a Comment 
fireaboveicebelow


Comments: 6767
02.11.09

Album Rating: 2.5

getting now

EDIT: why won't they release a full albumThis Message Edited On 02.11.09

jingledeath


Comments: 5708
02.11.09

Album Rating: 3.5

the new Clocks is so so awesome, as is Past Praying For and Whispers.

Digging: Dutch - A Bright Cold Day

Serpento


Comments: 2342
02.11.09


mmm definitely starting to get into this band

Digging: Titus Andronicus - The Monitor

redskyformiles
Staff Reviewer


Comments: 9336
02.11.09

Album Rating: 4

whole EP is so awesome.

fixedThis Message Edited On 02.11.09

Digging: Willie Nelson - Red Headed Stranger

Phantom


Comments: 8780
02.11.09


Drummer is so hot right now.

I really like Perceptions so I need to get this ASAP.

Digging: Trainwreck - Of Concrete Canyons And Inner Wastelands

jingledeath


Comments: 5708
02.11.09

Album Rating: 3.5

yeah because...

[quote]whole EP is so awesome.
[/quote]

Phantom


Comments: 8780
02.11.09


A QUOTE OF A QUOTE OF A QUOTE. I MUST GET THIS NOW!

redskyformiles
Staff Reviewer


Comments: 9336
02.11.09

Album Rating: 4

the whole thing is streaming on their myspace btw

Phantom


Comments: 8780
02.11.09


OH shi...I'm there. Thanks for the heads up.

Mikesn
Staff Reviewer


Comments: 3623
02.11.09

Album Rating: 3.5

This is pretty good

Digging: Stars - The Five Ghosts

gaslightanthem


Comments: 4684
02.11.09


or there are loads of free downloads, good review man now i don't have to do this i guess

Digging: Smog - A River Ain't Too Much Too Love

Phantom


Comments: 8780
02.11.09


I gave this a couple of listens on their mspace and it is better than Perceptions, but The Authors is still my favourite track by them.

They need to do a full length asap.

Minus The Flair
Staff Reviewer


Comments: 739
02.11.09


Great review, you should really apply for contributor.

Digging: The Morning Benders - Big Echo

fireaboveicebelow


Comments: 6767
02.11.09

Album Rating: 2.5

I like perceptions better

Willie
Moderator


Comments: 9937
02.11.09

Album Rating: 3

I bought the Perceptions EP, but that's all the money they're getting from me until they take the time to release a full album. Good review.

Digging: Cyanotic - The Medication Generation

Sconza


Comments: 55
02.17.09

Album Rating: 4

Great EP.
And I agree that they should release a full length album soon!

Digging: Scarlet Grey - Fancy Blood

BallsToTheWall
Contributing Reviewer


Comments: 22423
02.17.09

Album Rating: 3

The thing that really bogs this album down is the Hayley Williams worship. Vocals are great no doubt but they are way, way to similar to Paramore. Hopefully the chick in this band finds her own voice just in time for the full length. Coming from my local area, I have high hopes for this band.

Digging: Okkultokrati - Knarkskog

mynameischan
Staff Reviewer


Comments: 14638
03.05.09

Album Rating: 4

i am starting to reallly love this band

Digging: Circa Survive - Blue Sky Noise

playswithpassion


Comments: 159
04.04.09

Album Rating: 4

Their voices are similar but it doesn't sound enough where you could call it off as a blatant rip off or anything.

Really good ep and I honestly like them a lot more than Paramore.

Digging: Foals - Total Life Forever

Lucidity


Comments: 2455
04.16.09

Album Rating: 3

This grew on me, it's pretty awesome

Digging: Sun Kil Moon - Admiral Fell Promises



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