Albums by this artist

Afterglow (1999)

Two Cents Plus Tax (1998)

Concerts

March 26, 1999
Mercury Lounge, New York

Versus

Afterglow

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» JONATHAN COHEN | SENIOR EDITOR

Versus Afterglow Merge, 1999 RiYL: Ivy, Seam, Velocity Girl

Versus' early albums emphasized fast, hook-filled rock with memorable melodies and the lovely harmonic interplay of frontman Richard Balyut and bassist Fontaine Toups. Without losing sight of its more intense moments, the New York City-based band has increasingly mastered the use of different textures and tempos on its past two albums. Afterglow is a 5-song EP comprised of material leftover from the sessions for 1998's excellent Two Cents Plus Tax, and lives up to the high standards set by Tax and 1996's Secret Swingers.

There's nothing radically different about any of the five songs here, although the band's willingness to slow things down pays dividends in the splendid "Crush The Afterglow" and "Santa Maria." The songs here also indulge Versus' dreamier side, perhaps encouraged by producer Kurt Ralske, who worked similar wonders on Ivy's Realistic album. Both of the songs on which Toups sings lead bear a marked similarity to Ivy (which is a great thing indeed). "Raining" is a restrained, pretty number that shrugs off the languor of many a dampened day, while the sensational "Off The Hook" scores as one the band's most beautiful (and saddest) songs to date. Over a contemplative melody accented by Toups' chill-enducing bass line, she makes tangible the inner uncertainties of love and, well, life in general.

With its twanging guitar and soft choruses, Balyut's "True Believer" touches on countrified ballads much like Tax's "Spastic Reaction." Closing number "Santa Maria" splits the difference between late-night storytelling and seduction, building to a feedback display and then drifting downward with cello accompaniment. In all, Afterglow is another pleasing collection of Versus' sincere, sweet indie rock.

JONATHAN COHEN | Jonathan Cohen co-created Nude As The News with his Indiana University mates Troy Carpenter and Ben French. When not traversing the globe for business and pleasure, he holds down the fort as a senior editor for Billboard in New York. Stop him and he just may ask, "what for lunch?"