Visqueen
Maker's Mark, Credit Card Ass Swipes and Visqueen Pins
Velvet Lounge - Washington, DC
November 04, 2003
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Everything you've heard is true. Visqueen lives up to the hype.
I got a chance to sit-down with some members of Visqueen before their gig at The Velvet Lounge (a small Washington, DC club) on November 4th, and to delve into the world that is Visqueen. On tour to promote their first CD "King Me," Rachel Flotard (guitar, lead vocals) and Ben Hooker (drums) are definitely the energy of the band. Flotard, the outgoing PR person for the band, and Hooker, the class clown, are as spunky off stage as they are on. Rachel will happily tell you stories of gigs played as she'll tell you about Ben's butt that you could swipe a credit card through. The band's stories are as amusing as any others. Speeding tickets while late to a gig. Sleeping in the van to avoid parking tickets. Eddie Vedder showing Rachel his Visqueen pin. But the deeper understanding of the group comes out when you ask the history. Take 2 Hafacats. Add 1 Fastback. Mix thoroughly. Place in the studio at 350. Remove, cool and voila!
Visqueen.
Enter Kim Warnik.
Known as "The Fastbacks Legend", Warnik(bass, vocals) is so much more. With over 20 years experience, she brings a calmness and steadiness
that balances out Hooker and Flotard even though she's in a new position. Having been the lead of a Seattle treasure, Warnik is now backing vocals(including harmonies she's not used to) and letting Flotard lead the way. A new band with new responsibilities and Warnik isn't skipping a beat. Although people come for the name, they'll be leaving with a new found respect for Warnik and for Visqueen.
Now onto the show.
Visqueen doesn't give much warning and before you know it you're submersed in the first tune of the evening, "Omaha." This catchy tune with lyrics like "We're mutual like Omaha", is a great indication of the rest of the show. Continuing on to the eager Tuesday night crowd, the second song had most bopping their heads and tapping their feet. The breaks between songs make you feel as if you're sitting down chatting with the three. Finishing each others lines or covering while they make tech changes, the fun doesn't stop just because the music does. And everyone is free game. From crowd members to the venue's staff, anyone can be made part of the show.
Ben Hooker's energy behind the kit can only be compared to Dave Grohl in Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" video. I wasn't sure if it was Hooker's stick or forehead that hit the high-hat some times, but his beats are dead on and his ability to change from on-beat to off-beat jams keeps the music lively and flowing. His humorous interjections between songs are the basis for the rest of the groups jokes throughout the night.
If Visqueen were a cake mix, Kim Warnik(bass, vocals) would definitely be the pan keeping the batter together. Although not as energetic on stage as Hooker or Rachel Flotard(vocals, guitar), she has a no-nonsense presence and the bass lines that fill up any good rock song. Her voice on backup is an amazing closeness to Flotard's and gives an effect that Flotard is throwing her voice.
The guitar jams and melodies of the night are intensely provided by Flotard. Her voice, emanating from her trademark red lipstick, is clear and cutting and is identical to what you hear on their CD, which you do not find very often these days. No editing or training needed here. Her speaking voice is her singing
voice which makes it a rare treat. The guitar, as with Warnik and her bass, is more an extension of her arm than just an instrument on stage. By their stage presence you can tell that the band is having fun and has their hearts into the music. For a live show, that's a combination that can't be beat.
It's a shame the band has to be playing second and third tier clubs. They can easily be envisioned playing bigger venues while keeping their crowd engaging energy that will keep fans coming back. At any rate, catch them as often as you can. The tunes are catchy and easy to fall in love with. Rumor has it that
they'll be back in the studio during Winter so a Spring album is a possibility.
Mike J.
Staff Writer
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