Von Venn - Jeanie is Out
Von Venn is the main project of songwriter Gary Cox. The name for the project/band derives from the concept that we become who we are based upon the intersection of life experiences gathered, people we meet and lessons we learn along the way. Similarly, the songs are an intersection of musical styles that influenced that Gary’s song writing, artists such as RadioHead, Jeff Buckley, The Blue Nile, John Martyn, John Lennon and many more.
The result is primarily guitar centred songs that examine the intricacies of human nature and experiences. The aim is to craft something for everyone to connect with and explore at an emotional level. Hope, regret, loss, longing, nostalgia, attraction, love is all explored.
Von Venn’s previous singles ‘Ghost’ and ‘Constant Girl’ picked up support from The Thin Air, IMRO, Caesar Live N Loud, WigWam, NewInMusic, iRadio, RTE 2XM, NEAR FM and many more! Gary provides main Vocals, Guitars, Bass, Synth. The songs are enhanced by additional recruited musicians that contributed their experience, talent and skills to the Von Venn project and helped bring out the best in each of the tracks.
The album is a collection of introspective and melodic songs that explore the human condition. The album draws on influence from past indie and alternative greats while still creating a unique distinctive sound. The songs for the album were written by the main vocalist and songwriter Gary Cox during 2022 and 2023. The songs were initially written on an old acoustic guitar.
They were recorded and developed on a small home recording system and then brought to Soundcaster Studios Dublin Ireland. Drums, vocals and additional instruments were tracked and layered to achieve the rich textured sound on the album. While the songs have a great diversity of feel there’s a strong cohesive identity throughout. The songs have something for everyone to connect with at an emotional level. Hope, regret, loss, longing, nostalgia, attraction is all explored. The Von Venn sound relies on layered guitars, synthesisers and keyboards anchored by on-point drumming and bass and harmonsied vocals to create the atmosphere for each track. The sound was created to deliver a message through atmospheric songs that tells a tale. The songs were recorded and produced by Terry Doyle who also played keyboards for the album.
The opening track Ghost sets the tone for the whole album. Indie pop tune form the base for powerful words that resonate long after the song finishes. The melody contains some infectiously catchy riffs. The vocal on Broke is full of sorrow and regret, as if wondering what went wrong. The tension in the vocal contrasts with the melody, hard hitting and slowing down in the next moment, seemingly trying to brighten the mood and overall impression.
Copper Hill embodies the essence of dreamy pop. Slow burning, meditative guitar and drum-driven track with vocals coming from afar, ideal soundtrack for a vintage movie. Lay It Here continues in the same mood, flowing gently, like the waves in the ocean.
Red Lights is another slow dreamy track that makes the listener feel like he got stuck in a different timezone. The difference from previous tracks in this case is the vocal is somewhat weary, perhaps to go along with the overall sensation the track is supposed to evoke.
Hero brings the atmosphere from the club scene into life. A bit of electronic sounds but just the right dose to create the danceable vibe. The Von Venn sound remains easily recognizable in all tracks, no matter how dark they might be in their themes. Each song can stand on its own but together they form a remarkable collection showcasing a versatile artist who has a lot to offer. And is not scared of dipping his toes into different genres.