VersaEmerge EP Review

After bringing us We The Kings and Hey Monday, Florida’s own VersaEmerge will not disappoint you. With a name as defining as VersaEmerge, the band clearly has their purpose. The first part of the band name “versa” is taken from “vice versa”, means a change or order, and emerge means to rise from an obscure condition. VE’s line up consists of five members between the ages of 18 to 22. Sierra Kusterbeck on lead vocals, Anthony Martone on drums, Blake Harnage on guitar/vocals/programming, Jerry Pierce on guitar and Devin Ingelido on bass.

Everyone seems to have a tendency to compare bands with female vocalist with Paramore. And I can assure you, VersaEmerge doesn’t sound anything like Paramore. The only similarity between them is the fact that both bands are both signed to Fueled By Ramen. In comparison, VersaEmerge’s music is heavier and more experimental. In the band’s debut EP Perceptions, their opening track gives listeners a very mysterious mood that opens the first track “In Pursuing Design”, the song begins with Sierra’s captivating voice singing “Now that you know…” that will definitely impress you and keeps you intrigued. The rest of the EP is just as intense as the first song. The fourth track “The Reification of Notion” is a shortened track and consists less heavy guitar and drumming. It acts as a great interlude. The band also uses programming and it makes the music much refreshing. Lyrically, their music is much darker than what you would expect from a typical band, and their songs are not really about relationships. The band also has acoustic performances available on YouTube and it will not disappoint you.

VersaEmerge has memebers that are young and talented with unlimited possibilities ahead of them. I am very excited for their full length and you should too. And one day, they will be the band that is being compared to.

VersaEmerge is going on the road with We The Kings, The Maine, The Cab and There For Tomorrow (also from Florida!) on the Secret Valentine EP tour. After that, they will be joining Craig Owen’s solo tour.

Key tracks: In Pursuing Design, The Author

VersaEmerge’s MySpace, YouTube channel