On at least one occasion, you’ve dipped your toes in frigid waters for the kick. You’ve tiptoed onto the dark side, tiptoed back, then peaked one eye back into the shadows. It’s human. But what if inanimate objects had a similar desire?
They do. A violin lives amid neck and palm its entire life, begging for animation. What if, just once, a violin could trade jobs with a gangster, an inmate, or a crook? Sympathy lies in a three-piece band, one that intertwines violins and violence straight into its name.
Violens is the answer.
Violens is a gothic/pop/tropical trio from Brooklyn. Funny coincidence: I carpooled to elementary school with gothic/pop/tropical kids, but their black nail polish, diva up-do’s, and Hawaiian T-shirts were too much to handle. Anyway, the band is made up of Iddo Arad (synths/vocals), Jorge Elbrecht (lead vocals/guitar), and Myles Matheny (guitar/vocals).
Without room to play it safe, Violens is revealing the truth in their forthcoming album. It’s true. No, no — the album’s name is True. That’s totally true. The song, that is. “Totally True” reeks of ’80s pop in a great way. The aura is honest. Even without the transparent lyrics, the percussive guitars shine with persistence. With a depth of emotion so profound, there’s no digging your way out of this one.
It’s no surprise the band points to dreams and nightmares as primary influences. You can sense the dreaminess from two songs away. Nonetheless, Violens produces gorgeous, soul-strapping music that you just might love.