THE VOYCES: Press & Fanmail

The Voyces: Kissing Like It’s Love
Label: Planting Seeds 2007
(Three out of five stars)
The Voyces began as the brainchild of singer / songwriter Brian Wurschum, releasing their debut album, The Angels of Fun, in 2003; they scored a major coup when one of the record’s songs, “Relate to Me,” was included on the soundtrack to Jack Johnson’s surfin’ doc, Thicker Than Water, and found their profile raised considerably as a result. Since then, the band’s been through a bit of an overhaul in its ranks, but given how the subsequent album – Kissing Like It’s Love – has turned out, who can complain? Although Wurschum remains the album’s sole songwriter, he’s teamed with singer Jude Kastle, and the resulting harmonies are decidedly lovely; imagine Linus of Hollywood’s debut album (Your Favorite Record) with more of a ‘70s folk-pop bent, and you’ll have The Voyces’ sound mostly pegged. Tracks like the title song and “Humming” have a pleasant bounce, but much of the disc is pretty mellow; on the whole, the first two thirds of the record is where the strongest material hangs out (the last two songs are each over five minutes in length and prove too long for their own good), with particular highlights being “Hair Up High,” “Lovers in the Sky,” and “Top of My Lungs.” Given the amount of ink this year that’s been dedicated to the return of acoustic pop purveyors America, there’s really no better time for The Voyces to achieve a significant foothold on the music scene.

Planting Seeds Records are releasing the second album by pop band The Voyces, Kissing Like It's Love, on May 8th, and if they can get past the ambiguously salivary album cover, the title track should have pop-underground devotees swooning.

Lead Voyce Brian Wurschum sings "You smell like every summer should/my favorite time of year/like Coppertone and firewood/how am I supposed to steer" and you can hear it coming out of top-down convertibles in July, a big summer hit in an alternate universe. The vocals and charmingly lo-fi production are highly reminiscent of early, underappreciated Matthew Sweet (it would fit snugly next to Inside's "Blue Fools" or Earth's "How Cool") and his friends and frequent collaboraters Velvet Crush. Full of familiar and satisfying hooks and changes, this is a fun, guileless pop gem that's hard to get out of your playlist.

Indie popsters The Voyces don’t seem to mind who, what, or where they entertain so long as they’re entertaining and bringing joy to folks who happen upon them. It’s that laissez faire attitude that gives them a genuine voice (excuse the obvious pun) and a glowing sense of melody present throughout “Kissing Like It’s Love”. Subversive ‘60’s pop it’s not, but it shares an awful lot with that genre. Pop that’s not so much pop as it is catchy and awesome.

Kissing Like It's Love - The Voyces

Sometimes I resent the hell out of this blog. Surprising sunny 77 degree days like this, in particular. And when I'm stuck, when I haven't heard a new song in days that motivates me to muster enthusiasm and generate pretty words on its behalf, the last thing I feel like doing is sitting down to write an obligatory post. On the other hand, I like to maintain posting momentum: The longer I go without writing something, the more detached I get from the whole dilettantish project, the more seriously I consider quitting music blogging altogether. Fortunately, It hasn't come to so dire an event and I'm not going to be forced to feign anything. A couple hours ago while cleaning the kitchen following a flurry of cooking activity yesterday afternoon (somehow I managed to get chocolate brownie batter everywhere), I slipped in The Voyces' Kissing Like It's Love (due May 8), and was pretty much floored by the title track. I might have even dropped the sponge in my hand. It's the catchiest song I've heard so far this year -- a honey-smacked ditty about, ya know, faking it a little (ahem), surrendering to the moment because the moment's what you have, because the sun is grinning yellow and the sky is blue, because for now it's enough. Or in the words of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young: If you can't be with the one you love, love the one you're with. And in the style of classic radio pop, with a chorus so effortlessly great, so blithe smiling summer wonderful, the song shouldn't feel shy to share a playlist or mixtape with "Go Your Own Way" or "Sugar Sugar." (And that right there is one of my highest compliments.)

THE VOYCES- KISSING LIKE IT’S LOVE- PLANTING SEEDS- Another fine new Planting Seeds signing, this band , around since 1999 (first I’ve heard of them) originally hailed from Southern California but relocated to NYC to seek their fame and fortune . I believe this is their 2nd record (their self-released debut, THE ANGELS OF FUN, came out in 2003) and while I have not heard it yet, there is a lot to like on this follow-up. KISSING LIKE IT’S LOVE has the sort of melodic soft-rock tendencies that any Beach Boys or Simon and Garfunkel fan would (and should) find endearing. Leader Brian Wurschum seems to have a knack for pretty melodies as the record opens up with the classic title track and then goes right into the soft n’ lovely “Hair Up High” and the even more soft n’ lovely “Call It Home” which sounds like something that could have been off the latest Autumn Defense record. Later on is the pretty , vocal heavy “Humming” and the possible tribute to Joni Mitchell, “The Canyon Ladies.” The record is nice and the perfect length (10 songs in just under 38 minutes) and the only dud here is the out of place (and curiously titled) “You’re in Charge of Driving the Narcotics Trolley and You’re doing an Excellent Job” but otherwise this was an excellent introduction to a band that I hope has many more records in them.

Sometimes we all need a break from the riff slashing and rhythmic thumping attack of rock music. Even if it’s just a few minutes a week, the widespread definition of “relaxing music” can be enjoyable for even the most ignorant elitists who prefer volume over quality. The Voyces deliver this type of delectable sound, being a series of hushed and air vocals, soft acoustic guitars, light keys, and moderately paced percussion. The beginnings of The Voyces came together in the late 90s when Brian Wurschum and Laurel Hoffman were members of the California-based alternative rock group DOG. The two lead singers eventually bonded and formed the softer acoustic duo Zelig. As Zelig, they released two albums, Mr. Night and Nevada, using their acoustically balanced folk approach, eventually propelling themselves to local success around California, specifically Los Angeles. After getting tired of their surroundings, the duo decided to move to New York City in 1999 to pursue their musical endeavors even more. After singings like a bunch of talented bums in Central Park and the subway, Wurschum and Hoffman gathered up a collective of talented local musicians and called themselves The Voyces. After establishing themselves as a quality band in the east village, they released The Angels of Fun in 2002. It was an impressive debut for the band in a similar mold to the acoustic folk approach of Zelig, though additions concerning percussion and keyboards were gladly noticeable. It was produced by Diego Garrido, known for his work in “The Simpsons” and “The Squid and the Whale”. Though the release saw a nice following in New York, the band’s true break was when their song “Relate To Me” appeared in Jack Johnson’s film “Thicker Than Water”, landing on the fast-selling soundtrack. Hoffman stopped singing with the band in 2005 and with that, Wurschum brought in a new supply of members, which included vocalist Jude Kastle, guitarist Steve Dawson, and drummer Eric Puente. This was in addition to Wurschum and bassist Frank Carreno. After recording on the compilation Sunsets & Silhouettes with the likes of Camera Obscura and Linda Draper, they released their second EP Love Arcade in 2006.

Kissing Like It’s Love will be released on May 8th and it’s the third EP from the band. The album is the same mold in which The Voyces can attribute their success. Influences are extremely noticeable, with Simon & Garfunkel and Neil Young both coming off as vital figures in Wurschum’s songwriting. The vocals themselves sound very much like Matthew Sweet and even somewhat like The Magic Numbers’ Romeo Stodart. This is especially evident in “Humming”, arguably the most concise pop song on the album. Wurschum and Kastle make for an accessible vocal duo, melodically singing along over a rapturous acoustic melody overlayed by a few electrical solo charges. “Top of My Lungs” reminds me of their earlier influences, being Simon & Garfunkel and Neil Young, singing in a traditional American folk typecast with a slight country slur and a gripping repetition of self-assuring. “I’ll be all right again baby,” indicates a slight pause, further pushing, “as soon as I get back home”. “Call It Home” is a song of stepping stones, beginning with a slight acoustic guitar eventually accompanied by keys, percussion, and bass. The song is another display of the band’s tendency to craft relaxing but effective choruses that sound suitably in touch with the album’s typically romantic mindset. Ten songs long, Kissing Like It’s Love offers a generally enjoyable experience pushed forward by The Voyces’ consistent style in offering lush melodies accompanied by the usual acoustics and distressed vocals. While it’s certainly not music to adjust a lively weekend to, a rainy Monday or Tuesday afternoon will do it great justice.

The Voyces
Kissing Like It's Love
(Planting Seeds Records)

After one listen to The Voyces Planting Seeds Records’ debut -“Kissing Like It’s Love” - and you’ll be hooked to their glowing tuneful style. The band echoes the sounds of pop music’s past as well as its ever so fervent future. Principal songwriter Brian Wurschum creates the well crafted pop song, recalling the mid 60’s era of The Beatles, the folk rock of Simon & Garfunkel, and the 70’s mini rock epics ala Pink Floyd. Their style maybe placed in a box and labeled anywhere from: Rock, Folk Rock, Acoustic Folk Rock, New York Folk, and everywhere in between. The sunny California shine of the title track “Kissing Like It’s Love” launches the groups long awaited LP with it’s sugary sweet chorus. The soft ballad “Hair Up High” follows with its elegant smooth guitar strums and the band’s signature harmonies. The majestic beauty of “Call It Home” continues the album’s melodic element, while the introspective acoustic interlude “Please Wash Away” appears with its stripped down heartfelt vocals, acoustic guitar and light piano taps. “Humming” chimes in with one of the catchiest refrains you’ll hear this decade – instantly memorable. “Top Of My Lungs,” showcases even more of the Wurschum magic: Jangly guitars, soaring harmonies, and a song destined to be a classic. The album’s closing number – the delicate “Where The Little Girls Still Throw Roses,” features Brian’s warm vocal, light guitar picking and makes for the perfect ending. Whether blending funky pop, epic rockers or near psychedelia, “Kissing Like It’s Love” collects ten tracks of pure pop heaven you’re sure to fall for.

The Voyces
Love Arcade
Planting Seeds Records

After getting their day in the sun on Jack Johnson's soundtrack to his surf film Thicker Than Water, The Voyces put together an album of music that is ripped straight from the 60's and 70's. Songs like 'Mercedes' and 'Tangerine' are excellent and sound as if they were recorded over 30 years ago. That, my friend, is certainly not a bad thing. The Voyces are talented in ways that many musicians can only dream of. While many musicians these days are trying to push the envelope and be creative and different, the Voyces came along and decided to keep it real, natural, organic, and old school. The entire album is a throwback to simpler times and really sets a nostalgic mood. Don't get me wrong, it's content is updated and is accessible to all music fans. The track that appears on Jack Johnson's soundtrack is included on the album as well. The Voyces are truly and unique group and make music that is incredibly timeless.

Various Artists
Easy To Be Free: The Songs Of Rick Nelson
Planting Seeds Records


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Back in the golden era of rock and roll music, young people had one thing to look forward to every week on the burgeoning black and white television… The Ozzie And Harriet Show. The reason for their expectation was simple. Each week at the finish of the show The Nelson's son Ricky would perform a song, outdoing Elvis Presley and any other rocker of the time. Ricky's voice was clear and strong, and his songs expressed the sentiments of being a teenager at the time so well that he was immediately a hit. Of course, having a young James Burton on guitar didn't hurt, either. Over the next few decades, Nelson continued his songwriting and singing career, giving the world some amazing songs.

On Easy To Be Free, a host of indie artists pay tribute to these amazing songs, and in turn, to the great man who wrote the songs. The Voyces rendition of "Poor Little Fool" preserves the original spirit of the song, having an innocent purity to the performance that recalls a simpler time in rock music. Linda Draper gives a slow and melancholy performance on "How Long", showcasing her delicately beautiful voice and bringing note to the dark complexity of what could be mistaken as a simple Nelson composition. Nic Dalton & The Gloomchasers give a slightly psychedelic spin to the classic "Alone", while 1888 gives the classic "Travelin' Man" a neo-fifties treatment. It's real cool. Rockers Dolorean give a lo-fi slowcore performance of the amazingly deep "Are You Really Real" and John Beland does a fantastic job reviving the innocent wonder of "Young Love".

The highlight of this collection for me is John McEuen (of Nitty Gritty Dirt Band fame) doing an absolutely blistering version of the rockabilly classic "Believe What You Say", speeding things up a bit and working in some nice bluegrass touches to create an awesome grass-a-billy version of one of my favorite Nelson songs. The song just absolutely rocks, maintaining the original feel of the tune while incorporating some nice banjo rolls and adding just a bit more hop to the rhythm. Jeff Larson gives a very early Byrds-like reading of the cool "Legacy", which leads into a slow-down version of "Don't Leave Me This Way" performed by the indomitable Marshall Crenshaw. Liz Durrett slows "Try (Try To Fall In Love)" way down and makes it almost an ambient track and Aaron Booth gives the super slow treatment to the famously rocking ""Hello Mary Lou", stripping it of all its rock glory and turning it to a beautifully haunting slo-fi Red House Painters' style track; beautifully done and lending an air to the song that I didn't know it could contain… I guess James Burton guitar solos don't have to always be the best part of Ricky Nelson's songs.

And so the songs of the man who Bob Dylan proclaimed "His voice was sort of mysterious and made you fall into a certain mood" are brought to a new generation of rockers. Hopefully the next generation can take away some of the intrinsic values that Ricky Nelson's songs contain, bringing new life to rock and roll. And a really great thing about this collection, besides some great music, is that a portion of the proceeds from the sale of each CD goes to support CancerCare (www.cancercare.org), an organization doing great things to support those who suffer from cancer.

A drastic reinterpretation of someone else's song can be exciting, though also disastrous, but there's something refreshing about a tribute album that leaves the experiments for someone else. Easy to Be Free is a true tribute - a bunch of musicians who obviously love Rick Nelson's music singing and playing them straight-ahead, trying to capture some of the grace and spirit of them. It's a rock-solid, enjoyable album, with no major disasters and a fair share of renditions that show a genuine understanding of Nelson's gifts as a songwriter and performer, and yet are not so direct that they come off like cheap imitations. Instead the contributors' own musical personalities shine through, but so does Nelson's, at very moment. Including both songs Nelson wrote and songs he didn't, and capturing the varied stages of his career – as teen pop idol, as country-rock singer, etc. – the album kicks off with The Primary 5, Paul Quinn (ex-Teenage Fanclub)'s current band doing an energetic "One X One," followed by a nice and smooth "Poor Little Fool" from "The Voyces. Linda Draper's spellbinding "How Long" properly demonstrates the dreamy quality of Nelson's music. Astropop 3 keep their take on "Life" pure and simple, and benefit greatly for it. Micheal Barrett's "Nightime Lady" is hushed and romantic. Liz Durrett's "Try (To Fall in Love)" swoons in slow-motion, like her own songs, while capturing – as many of the songs do – the sensitive, introspective aspects to Nelson. The whole affair feels particularly attuned to why Nelson is a musician to pay attention to, yet it's also a completely listenable and rewarding collection.

Most of the songs on "The Angels Of Fun" are undeniably hooky and suprisingly refreshing despite their obvious references to your father's folksy record collection. While the reverberant chorus of voices (and Voyces) and overly joyous handclaps may sometimes border hokey, any person with an inkling of respect for our 60's folk ancestors who repeatedly find themselves defending The Polyphonic Spree will enjoy this album.

The Voyces is a group featuring the voices of Brian Wurschum and Laurel Hoffman. The music these two make comes off like modern day folk, with an alternative rock attitude.

The Angels Of Fun is illustrated with drawings of long-legged, naked angels. Either these are the angels of fun referred to by the CD title, or they’re some kind of heavenly women’s basketball team. At times, this vocalizing sounds a bit like an unplugged Supertramp. Other times, it hearkens back to vintage Simon & Garfunkel. Vocals are backed by plenty of tinkling pianos and strummed acoustic guitars. “The Funniest Thing That I Know” sounds oldest of all, era-wise, and actually comes off like a madrigal tune. In other words, it’s quite classical sounding. The end of “Lie Down On Me” may just catch you off guard, as it slips into a reggae beat at the tune's close.

The Voyces is an apt name for this duo, because vocalizing is front and center most of the time here. It’s not comprised of complicated vocals, the way Brian Wilson projects are, for instance. Nevertheless, there are rarely the sorts of instrumental solos you usually find on pop and rock albums. These songs are also smartly written, which gives them a distinctly literary feel. Everything here adds up to an oddly likeable recording.

Diet Rock lives, baby! It’s like Yacht Rock minus all those jazzy chords… The Voyces write unpretentious pop music with 0 calories and a toss-it-back flavor. Is it the simple blending of influences like Cat Stevens, early America, or perhaps some bizarro world where Matthew Sweet left his recording cave to frolic in the So Cal sun? Either way, The Voyces have had an interesting rise to the upper echelon of NYC bands and their sound, at its best, feels like second nature.

The Voyces' story starts with Brian Wurschum, a singer/songwriter who moved from California to NYC and formed the Voyces. Brian’s got a Jimmy Buffet vocal style (minus some of the exaggerated twang) and a rock solid harmonic sense. With their initial lineup, The Voyces released "The Angels of Fun" (2003) with Diego Garrido (The Simpsons, The Squid and the Whale) and then had one of its tracks, "Relate To Me," in Jack Johnson’s "Thicker Than Water" film. Original singer Laurel Hoffman left the group in 2004 and after a hiatus Wurschum joined forces with singer Jude Kastle to reform the Voyces (along with drummer Eric Puente and longtime bassist Frank Carreno).

Kastle and Wurschum really are a wonderful pairing. Their voices complement each other well with tight vocal harmonies - often in parallel thirds with Kastle’s throatier alto enriching Wurschum’s understated melodies. The rhythm section is solid and straightforward, making sure the attention stays on the songwriting and vocal choices.

The Voyces have been able to create space for themselves in NYC largely through the timely placement of their music. TV, Movies, Television commercials; all have raised their visibility level outside of NYC without them ever having to step foot outside the city. As Brian told me, "We have yet to tour. (Booking west-coast shows as we speak.)" I found it particularly intriguing that their current release "Kissing Like It’s Love," was at the top of the Barnes & Noble record sales before it was even released.


Notes Wurschum: "Yes, it is true. Because of Barnes & Noble sales, our CD was in its second printing before it was officially released. It was also #1 at Darla, our distributor, for a while. This was due, in part, to our track in the Jack Johnson movie (and soundtrack). But we have some songs in other movies, and in some television commercials, as well… None of us were expecting this at all. We knew we had fans from all over the world~ happily, they write to us quite a bit ~ but the sales were more than we were imagining."

When the New York Mets come to Dodger Stadium, it's not unusual for local blue crew supporters to get drowned out by funny-talking East Coast transplants who turn out in droves to cheer on the Big Apple nine. Reversing that forever "go west" trend is Brian Wurschum, who actually left the 805 and relocated to New York City sight unseen. Yup, on purpose. He's coming back on Sunday with the Voyces, a group that can sing and harmonize better than it can spell. If you're in the mood for pretty pop-rock, check the band out at Grady's Record Refuge in Ventura.

Wurschum should know the way west — he's from Newbury Park. Locals will remember him for his prior 805 musical adventures with the groups Majority DOG and Zelig.

The DOG band was the first group to ever play at Civic Arts Plaza and, in keeping with its low-budget outlook, band members used to practice at the Park and Ride lot off the 101 in Newbury Park. The DOG band also played at Café Voltaire a bunch of times — that's the place that locals whine about missing the most after Charlie's and, soon, the Alpine.

Wurshum has been Back East for several years now, not long enough to talk funny but long enough to form the Voyces. The singer-songwriter discussed his imminent homecoming during a recent phoner.

Hey man, how's the Voyces' biz? Are you guys rich rock stars yet?

Yeah, we are rich rock stars.

Cool. Can I borrow a dollar?

Yes, you can.

All right then. You went to New York City on purpose. Why?

I moved back here in 1999 and now I can't remember.

Didn't you see "Midnight Cowboy''?

It's been so long that at the time it seemed like a really good idea. We'd never been here and at the time we just wanted to see what it was like. I'm glad I did because I met the Voyces.

What's it like back there?

I like it. It's just the opposite of everything of where I'm from.

The anti-Newbury Park?

There is no Newbury Park back here and there's a lot of really great people here.

What's your take on the NYC music scene?

It's very aggressive, much more aggressive. There's this place called the Sidewalk Café that is like a hub in a lot of ways. Basically everyone I met here I met at that place.

What about those Voyces?

This lineup has been together for about a year and this is what I call the Voyces. What are the Voyces all about? We're just doing our rock 'n' roll thing, I guess.

What does it sound like? Any majority DOG or Zelig in there?

Since I wrote the music for those bands and I'm still writing the music for the most part, I don't think that I could escape that flavor.

Any Majority DOG songs?

No. That's done, I think.

Have any Café Voltaire stories?

Oh, Café Voltaire. That place was great. I loved that place. It was our favorite place to play out there.

There's a place now called Zoey's, which is the spiritual successor to Café Voltaire.

Yeah, I heard about that place and I'd love to play there.

How has the Internet changed things for you?

The Internet has enabled us to sort of find out who's listening to us and reach those people. That's the biggest thing it's done.

What's the deal with this tour?

This is really the first time we've left New York. The other singer, Jude Castle, and myself played one time in California before but the band has never traveled. We play about two or three times a month but we haven't been together very long and just put an album out. We're just starting this process; you know, hit the road and hustle up some interest. We're coming to Ventura first, then we're going to drive up to Northern California and through Oregon to Seattle.

What's the best and worst thing about being a musician?

The best thing is performing live or having somebody say, "I listen to your album at home." The worst thing is everything else.

"... Ya aprovecho y te mando una nueva canción para tus Sesiones S.O.S., no se sí tendrás este disco es de un grupo americano llamado The Voyces y el álbum se llama “Kissing Like It’s Love” es de este año 2007, es bastante recomendable esta lleno de sonidos pop, folk-rock y algo de psicodelia.

“La canción que elijo es una de esas canciones que se te quedan metidas en la cabeza y las vas tarareando durante

todo el día, con lo cual consigues que todo sea un poco más llevadero. No debe ser siempre mirar hacia atrás y recordar viejos discos, también hay que vivir al día y descubrir nuevas bandas como este quinteto llamado The Voyces y su canción “Kissing Like It’s Love” que da titulo a su excelente segundo trabajo y además es el tema que le abre, toda una gema del mejor pop con influencias de finales de los 60’s, alegre, contagiosa, con excelentes armonías, en resumen una delicia.”

THE VOYCES
New York-based acoustic rock quintet The Voyces offers a quartet of superlative songs on their page. "Relate To Me" is a transcendent beauty. From the band's current Planting Seeds Records album, "Kissing Like it's Love," come the pensive "Canyon Ladies," the winsome "Humming" and a jaunty title tune. Sweet harmonies enhance graceful melody lines.
www.myspace.com/thevoycesmusic

New York City needs The Voyces... if only for today. With recent memories of seventy degree temperatures still lingering fresh in my mind, it is hard not to feel as if Mother Nature is pulling some wicked chicanery on me, and everyone else that lives and works here. I mean seriously…WTF? I guess, it is still March. Luckily, The Voyces landed in my inbox today. And thank god. With a courtly tip of the cap to both the choirboy harmonies of Simon and Garfunkel, and the West Coast gleam of The Eagles and "Harvest" era Neil Young, pleasant little numbers like "Kissing Like It's Love" and "Relate To Me" hit my ears like a blast of warm, summer air across the wintered bow of our city. So make sure you don't miss these peddlers of perfected pop music at The Rockwood Music Hall tonight at 10PM. I promise The Voyces are something worth dragging yourself out through the dirty ice and snow that besieges New York for.

hey guys!

My name is Eric and i discovered your music from a friend. I fell in love
with the song "kissing like it's love". I have just started playing guitar
a few months ago and was wondering if you would be able to tell me what
the chords are. I don't mean to play it at shows/ make a profit from it. I
just really enjoy the song. If you feel comfortable I would greatly
appreciate it. YOu guys are a wonderful band and really good music to cook
to, haha. Have a great day!

Sincerely with peace

hello voyces. i just wanted to drop you a line to say how much i love your music. heart-stoppingly beautiful, at times almost unbearably poignant.

i really hope you'll be making up to vancouver at some point (in spite of whatever hassles are involved in crossing the border).

Me and my brother listen to your music all the time. We own everything you put out. We deserve to see you play, right? Will you ever hit the road or do we have to fly to New York?

James and Chris (Texas)

Dear Voyces,

Please marry me.

Thanks,
Regina

Hey guys,
Digging the new cd. My friends and I are wondering though...what the hell is The Canyon Ladies about?