Double Disc Set
by G.K. Hizer
When a band forms, its members usually think it will last forever -- me and my band of brothers out to conquer the world. Later, reality sets in and the group inevitably splinters with members going their separate ways.
Those who really have something special, however, march on unfazed, and, if they're lucky, find an enduring chemistry. For some, the process is disheartening. For others, it steels their resolve to move forward with their musical endeavors.
It appears that we've found a pair of young, like-minded acts that are celebrating a dual CD release party this weekend at The Marquee, 222 N. Main. Van Risseghem and Astellaway may approach it from different angles, but each represents an engaging and positive take on indie pop with its respective CDs.
Perhaps most intriguing is the full-length debut from Van Risseghem. This is Jonathan Van Risseghem's baby, allowing him to present his songs more completely than his solo acoustic shows have afforded him.
Easily one of the most engaging pop records to emerge in the first quarter of the year, Van Risseghem's The Motions combines elements form the singer/songwriter, pop and soul genres to create a sound that's familiar but not pinned down. The project edges closer to the sound and style of early Hero Factor (perhaps due to the layered keyboards or to the understated vocals); but more often than not, it's a mélange that can't be defined.
"That was my main goal with this CD," Jonathan said. "When people ask what Van Risseghem sounds like, I say, 'For it to be indefinable.' The goal was to not sound like this or that. Kind of like if someone asks what Kansas sounds like -- it just sounds like Kansas, like The Beatles sound like The Beatles.
"Part of what I'm proud of is this is a record that my grandparents like -- and sincerely like the music, not just because it's their grandson and they're proud of me," he continued. "At the same time, it's also a record that my little sister likes, someone who listens to totally different stuff."
The nine songs on The Motions do cover a broad swath of styles. When asked about influences and what he listens to, Van Risseghem said, "I listened to a lot of Paul Simon when I was recording this. And Brit rock, like Radiohead and Remy Zero, and a lot of R&B -- old, '60s and '70s R&B that has a good sense of melody and rhythm.
"Like Otis Redding," he continued, explaining his love for classic rhythm and blues. "I remember the first time I heard 'Sitting on the Dock of the Bay' when I was 16 or 17 years old. It just captured that mood so perfectly and did it with such a dang good melody."
As you might surmise, melodies are essential to Van Rissghem's material, but the real strength is in the overall songwriting and structures. As a multi-instrumentalist who can play guitar, piano, bass and a number of other instruments, Jonathan is secure in his writing and playing, with a clear sense of direction.
"Songwriting should be of the nature, that, if you can play it with one instrument or play it with 90, it would still be a good song either way," Jonathan said.
After playing with other bands, Jonathan decided to strike out on his own roughly a year ago. He has since played a number of solo acoustic gigs while writing and recording his debut CD. With the new album complete, he has now assembled a band to perform the songs in a more expanded form.
Beyond the song structures, however, are thoughtful lyrics with spiritual undertones. Jonathan said that he grew up in church and ended up in Tulsa when the family moved for his father to attend Rhema. As a result, faith is a strong theme in his songs without being overbearing. Instead of sounding preachy, Jonathan was more interested in vocalizing his faith in a manner accessible to anyone. "Everyone knows what it's like to feel like you're not living up to standards and most people can relate to feeling love beyond infatuation," he said. "I just tried to share that so these songs could be played in bars and still appreciated."