Satan Van Dork Rod - SVDR

​Satan Van Dork Rod

SVDR
self-released; 2016

3.6 out of 5

By Ted Rogen
​

I like the string of words “Satan Van Dork Rod” but really enjoy saying it. The name rolls off the tongue but really can’t be used in a sentence unless you are talking about the band from Nashville, TN, comprised of AO Donovan and Kalilah Darkstar and their EP SVDR.

The band revolves around crunchy guitar, drums and vocals - hardly an uncommon setup. Luckily for the duo the minimal setup works because of the attitude. The songs are somewhere between folk, punk and rock. Maybe not too far from Neutral Milk Hotel the more I think about it.

With this minimal setup you really need to have a superb or unique vocalist. I’d say the vocals are unique and undeniable covered with a lot emotion.  Satan Van Dork Rod doesn’t sound like The White Stripes in a number of ways but there is a raw, visceral energy that comes from a similar place.

They open up with “ten dollar” which is a fast, upbeat song. It’s a fun song that is just about perfect for a Friday night at a local dive. Some of the energy is continued on the next song “anything but yours” but takes a little longer to get there. The guitar takes center stage for a while with some cymbals prepping you for a beat. There’s nothing complicated it just well delivered. 

“Another day is gone” is lighter fare but also a highlight. The drums hold a thump with the bass drum and cymbals You can hear Darkstar doing some vocal harmonies. They sound good together. She also happens to sound pretty good singing some lead parts on “the quitting year.” They close with three rocking songs. The one that stuck out to me was “in love and locked up” which contains a good rocking riff.

​Satan Van Dork Rod isn't breaking any barriers with this release but it's got some solid songs with some great delivery. Not a bad combo if you ask me

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