With their gentle demeanor, folk singer-songwriter duo Vandaveer is releasing their new EP Love is Melanchol on Oct. 21 to express their viewpoints on the ups and downs of love. There are only three tracks on the EP, but they are quite enough for Mark Charles Heidlinger and Rose Guerin to get their point across.
The first of three beautifully crafted tracks is “Love is Melancholy.” This song has a gentle, swaying melody that is juxtaposed with deep country inflections in the vocals. Heidlinger and Guerin reflect on how love is difficult, but at the end of the day it is all we have. The rhythm has an entrancing country twang that guides the tone into an easy serenity.
“The Lock & Key” continues with the sentiment of fighting for love. A purposefully hard stroke of the guitar sends Heidlinger and Guerin into an airy breakdown that evens out the tone of the song. This song explores more of Vandaveer’s folk acoustics. “The Lock & Key” gently caresses the listener with elongated notes and reassuring lyrics.
“All These Songs Sound the Same” finishes the EP with a creeping, magical melody. This song has a witching element that is reminiscent of long passed down fairytales. “All These Songs Sound the Same” is the cheery response to the statement that love is melancholy.
It is not hard to imagine sitting in a hot tub outside a cabin when listening to Vandaveer. Love is Melancholy is a perfect way to set the tone for a relaxing night in with a loved one.