Prepare to be swept away on an emotional odyssey as VOID PLEASANTRIES, led by the talented duo John and Ross McKellar, introduces their eagerly anticipated debut LP, “When in Rome.” This intriguing Album expertly stitches together a harmonic blend of reinterpreted old songs and previously unreleased tunes, providing a look into the core of their profound musical journey.
The McKellar brothers draw inspiration from iconic American grunge and college rock bands of the ’80s and ’90s, such as R.E.M., Queens of the Stone Age, Alice in Chains, Nirvana, Guided by Voices, and Misfits, to infuse their music with evocative melodies and poignant lyrics that deeply resonate with their devoted audience.
“When in Rome” boasts an eclectic mix of full-lineup tracks, showcasing the mesmerizing talents of Ross McKellar on guitar and vocals, complemented by the captivating lead vocals of John McKellar. Thomas Shaw masterfully handles the bass, while the dynamic drumming duties are shared between David Stewart and Jamie Keenan (known for their success with The LaFontaines). Additionally, the album features heartfelt homemade tracks where the McKellar brothers take charge of the instruments, with occasional contributions from the skilled guitarist Andy Biggar.
The musical journey of this Bellshill, Scotland-based band began in 2007 with John and Ross, accompanied by their childhood friends Thomas Shaw and Chris Struzik. Over time, they were joined by a rotating cast of drummers and second guitarists before the lineup finally solidified with George Paterson on drums and Connor Kyle on guitar. After periods of notable activity between 2007-09 and 2011-12, the band took a hiatus before returning to the limelight with a triumphant live show in 2019, marking their powerful comeback to the music scene.
“When in Rome” beautifully captures the essence of their early music, showcasing its brilliance in its finest form while offering a tantalizing glimpse of the exciting musical ventures yet to come. The album features tracks recorded in various settings, from the professional studios of Foundry Music Lab and North Road Studios to the intimacy of their home studio, spanning the years from 2008 to 2019. Notably, “The Meddler” was recorded live at The Ice Box Arts and Music Centre in Gorbals, Glasgow, adding a raw and electrifying live energy to the collection.
Each song on “When in Rome” serves as a poetic expression of the band members’ personal experiences and emotions. From the exhilarating celebration of singlehood in “No Good Reason” to the introspective musings on the transience of youth in “I Will Name It,” and the turbulent journey through the complexities of an unhealthy relationship in “Lose My Mind,” the album offers a profound window into John’s emotional state during its creation.
In John’s eloquent words, “This record is the sound of us growing up together.” Prepare to be captivated by the enchanting melodies and soul-stirring lyrics of “When in Rome,” and bear witness to the extraordinary musical evolution of John and Ross McKellar, as VOID PLEASANTRIES invites you to join their soulful journey of harmonious growth.
Connect with VOID PLEASANTRIES on
English