Arts Quest Show 04 from Blue Green on Vimeo.

volume 1 , issue 25, january 7-13, 2009

http://www.clevescene.com/stories/15/88/12-bands-to-watch

The Woovs

myspace.com/thewoovs

Barberton may not be a musical hotspot, but thanks to the Woovs, that could change. "We basically had to convince Barberton bar owners to even have local music," says keyboardist Bryan Delauder. "Now it seems like every bar in Barberton is doing local music. We're not trying to be cocky about it, but we are definitely proud." Listening to the group's excellent self-titled debut, it's easy to see why small-town bars would let the band entertain their patrons - plus they do a stunning cover of the Rolling Stones "Wild Horses" in their live sets. The group - DeLauder, singer-guitarist Adam Lengyel, guitarist Kevin Hamric, bassist Brant Novak and drummer Dave Dibello - has a sound that's mature beyond the members' years. Describing the music as "heavy mental," the Woovs blend soul, rock, folk and R&B, a mixture of their varied tastes. "We are truly influenced by all styles of music individually, and we each bring these influences into our music," says Novak. While all of the members are skilled at their instruments, it's Hamric's and Delauder's keen sense of melody and Lengyel's distinctive voice that give the group its identity - the three are also the primary songwriters. Beyond the odd spelling of the band's name, there's a sentimental meaning behind the lupine moniker. The guys see themselves as a pack, a brotherhood doing what they love together. The band is also territorial, showing love for Barberton. "We are, if nothing else, a roots-oriented band, and we are proud of where we are from," says Novak. - Fleisher

The Necker Cube Volume 2

(La Rock Inc)

(MySpace.com/LaRockIncRecords)

On Volume 2 of La Rock Inc.'s Necker Cube series, a motley crew of local underground notables hold their own against an impressive list of rap, electronic and rock artists from Northeast Ohio to the Pacific Northwest. Connecticut MC Ceschi Ramos takes a shot at U2 in "You Killed Rock 'N' Roll." Representing Barberton, the Woovs' "Dream" is the kind of airy indie-pop that could earn a rave review from Pitchfork. Executive producer Johnny La Rock's samplefest "Reincarnation" is more entertaining than half of the new Portishead album. La Rock and partner-in-rhyme Mush Mouth join Cleveland punks Deaf by Arms for the underproduced "Sleazy's Cut," suggesting there might be some life left in the rap-rock thing. - Ferris Johnny La Rock & Mush Mouth and Deaf By Arms play at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, December 13, at Pat's in the Flats (2233 West Third St., 216.621.8044). Tickets: $5

The Woovs

The Woovs Live demo www.myspace.com/thewoovs 

Published: October 3, 2007

Barberton's the Woovs are new to the regional scene, but they're already miles ahead of the rest. Live Demo is rough around the edges, but it still paints a very clear picture: The band's sound is a blend of soul, blues, and rock, pieced together with good songwriting. The Woovs are also skilled musicians. With melodic guitars, tight basslines, and beautiful piano runs, they weave a mellow backdrop for Adam Lengyel's smoky vocals.

The highlight is "Little Green Book," a slice of piano-driven pop with a killer melody that would sound right at home on the radio. Lengyel's lyrics are especially strong on this tune, and his voice echoes Pat Monahan of Train. With a proper recording, these guys just might be opening for Monahan some day.

Don't miss us on Halloween, we'll be at the Pine! adios amigos