VEQUINOX

Vequinox formed in 1998 in urban Pennsylvania . They are one of the longest performing groups of this style of music in the the United States. Vequinox perform unique music by playing various instruments from around the world. The instruments they include: Bowed Psaltery, Sitar, Hammered dulcimer, eastern drums,etc. Vequinox is a mystical blend of many genres. Celtic, Neofolk, Neoclassical, World, Gypsy, Ethereal, and a touch of electronic. They have shared the night with such acts as; Ego Likeness, Rasputina, Babylonian Tiles,and the Gypsy Nomads. Their Music is recommended to fans of: Dead Can Dance, Vas, C93, Death in June, and Unto Ashes. *********************************************************** Along with their own recordings, Vequinox are featured on" The Bells Shall Sound Forever" an official tribute album featuring interpretations of your favorite Current 93 / David Tibet songs exclusively distributed in America by Middle Pillar. Vequinox are now a part of the music scene of Portland Oregon. www.myspace.com/vequinox ************************************************************ A Review:When the eerie, chilling ethnic sounds of the bowed psaltrey and bells open this project on "Venus Waxing," we know that we are in for an aural treat of ethereal music. Venus is rising. The goddess of spring, bloom and beauty cleary influenced the musical direction of this duo( Now Trio) that started together in 1998 when they called themselves "The Venusians." Now called Vequinox, that moniker seems fitting for the duo forging celestial music that emphasizes the fanciful flight of imagination. One of their goals is to create new and different sounds that are a synthesis of their influences. The mystical vocals in "Mantra of Venus" are no doubt intended as a conduit for conveying a spiritual glow. The sounds encourage concentration and meditation. Blending inspirations from world and ambient music, Vequinox features instruments like hammered dulcimer, sitar, tanpura, guitar, bass, percussion, keyboards, trumpet, and pennywhistle. Programming drums or synthesizer embellishes the duo's musical vignettes that are simple melodic declarations with curiously fascinating lyrics on pieces like "White Boxes," "Edward," and "End of Time." Chad and Lisa are whimsical multi-instrumentalists who are on a journey to understand, harness and personalize terrestrial sonic forces. As a result, the seductive charm of "Planetary Harmony" is its quiet polyphony. They might want to further explore looping Chad's guitar for even more embellishment. For a signature piece, "Eastern Dulcimer Song" could be their crowning instrumental moment with its rhythmically fun presentation that sounds both ancient and contemporary all at once. While Vequinox's songs are imagistic, they never become so fantastical that they become cryptic or too enigmatic. Closing with a reprise of thematic opening track, "Venus Waning" is intended to gradually deliver us to the album's conclusion when some Nepalese song is also introduced into the euphonious mix. Playing around Pittsburgh, Pa., I would think that Vequinox's live shows in clubs, theaters, galleries and coffeehouses would be quite compelling, engaging, pleasurable and inspirational. (Joe Ross)http://www.talentondisplay.com/joeross.html************ ************************************************************ *