deVries (pro. devreese; Dutch def. from/of the North) is the new band of singer/writer/guitarist Travis DeVries of Seattle band The Turn-ons. The August '09 issue of Spin magazine list The Turn-ons in its 100 "greatest bands you've (probably) never heard." Peter Buck of R.E.M. described them as “…simply my favorite new Seattle band. If I said that their sound was a combination of the Velvets, T. Rex and Spiritualized with a dash of Yo La Tengo, it wouldn’t do them justice [Q Magazine]." The Turn-ons played sold out shows with widely-known indie bands such as The Strokes, BRMC, Interpol, and played their last show with The Jesus & Mary Chain in '08.
Travis moved to NYC in the summer of '08 after recording "Death to God" in Seattle. Death to God was produced and mixed by Turn-ons’ producer and member, Erik Blood(The Moondoggies, Tea Cozies, Romance). It was then mixed by legendary producer, Kramer(Galaxy 500, Low, Sufian Stevens). Upon receiving the tracks for mastering, Kramer enthusiastically proclaimed “Travis, you’re a fucking genius. This music is just too good” and “this shit is amazing.”
deVries' sound hearkens back to the reining days of Britpop/Madchester bands such as The Stone Roses and Suede. Travis' lyrics touch on a wide range of social and human conditions and emotions of which he feels strongly about. His songs range in issues from trans-gender children(Boys are Bores), to global warming(Slowing Down), and hints of economic upheaval(Black Thursday Repeat). His gift of weaving lush orchestration & intensely personal lyrics is a reminder of how music can save your soul.
"…a unique though strangely familiar sound, almost a Stone Roses and Ride hybrid for a new generation." – Hubbub UK
"This band is something to watch!" 4.5/5 stars – Awaken Music
"…a weird, unpredictable mix of your favorite bands, but it's still strikingly original." "You won't be sorry." - Music for Robots
"…indie rock with some actual depth and good instrumentation… definitely a rad album that deserves some attention." – SLUG Magazine
"Brilliant…the melancholy feel of the album is balanced perfectly by well-placed orchestration and catchy guitar riffs, giving the album real depth and diversity." – The Silver Tongue
Instrumentation:
Travis DeVries-vox, guitar
Sean Gibbons- lead guitar
Martin Glazier – guitar
Johnny Lancia – bass
Kuki Kooks – drums
Websites:
Discography:
Death To God (2009)
Song Samples:
Darkest Summer
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Slowing Down
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Popularity: 34% [?]
