SHREDnews

By: Ashley Pagano

In a small town outside of Buffalo, New York, there is a best kept secret. This secret is the band The Vandersons. Going by the stage names Anderson, Klaus, Axel, Slide, Franz, Lance, Jean Claude Dam, Tito, and Brownie, consisting of guitar, drums, saxophones, trumpets and trombones, this ska band stands out from other local bands without a doubt. The group formed back in 2006, with members from all different bands.  This merger would produce, The Vandersons.

If you’re looking for originality, a band unlike the rest, then The Vandersons are perfect for you. Not only is the music awesome, but if you’re looking for a good show, the band will “melt your faces off” at any live performance. All members of the band always put on a high energy performance, talking with the crowd, cracking jokes, covering fun songs everyone knows, as well as playing upbeat original songs that cause the crowd to dance all over the place. The shows are always tons of fun, and time well spent.

Judging by the instruments in the band, it’s pretty apparent that we’re talking about a ska band here. Yes, it’s ska,  and yes it’s quite a treat for your ears. The band’s influenced by artists such as The Toasters, The Hippos, Bob Marley, and Hepcat and many more for they are influenced by many reggae and ska bands as well as newer pop punk groups.

The Vandersons has opened for bands such as Bomb The Music Industry, Westbound Train, and Mad Caddies. They had a CD release show at a small venue known as The Beacon Café. The venue may be small, but the turnout was quite large, as The Vanderson fans managed to pack about 100-110 of themselves into the small building, just to see them play.

If you like bands such as Catch 22, Less Than Jake, and Big D, you should definitely give The Vandersons a chance. The band currently only has one CD at the moment, but is in the process of writing another album.

You can download their album, Adventure Day, for free at www.gimmesound.com/thevandersons/

Also, check out their MySpace, http://www.myspace.com/thevandersons, to hear some incredible tunes.