Verdoux - Crossing Borders

Verdoux

​Crossing Borders
self-released; 2016

​3.5 out of 5

By Mike Pryzgoda 

Crossing Borders by Verdoux is a concept-EP exploring five different stages of grief. Knowing that opens up a different level of appreciation for this great collection of songs, but even without that knowledge the EP is well produced, performed and written.

Blink 182 is a major influence and pops up in the vocal inflections and harmonic structures.   The title track nods to that influence with its catchy melody and energetic  drum track.   “Calusa” does too with its great build in the bridge, multitudes of guitar countermelodies and a fantastic drum solo sneaking in at the end.

“MIA” starts out with tremolo guitar against sixteenth notes on the hi-hat before the guitar moves into blazing U2 tones. The drums change the feel throughout with ease and the harmony vocals sound great. “Friday” closes the EP with gorgeous harmonized guitar arpeggios and an anthemic build.

Some parts of some of the songs could use a little dusting up. “Stronger” has nice chiming guitar and Jimmy Eat World harmonies, but the changes in the song are very abrupt even though each section is performed well. 

The spoken word bit in “Friday” doesn’t quite lift to the same energy as the rest of the song.  Also, the drums in “Calusa" seem to have a different tone than the guitars and feel as if they exist separately from the rest of the song.

Still, these are minor quibbles, and overall the EP stands strong with a great ensemble feel.

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