July 28th, 2009
Apparently, ex-members, Ryan Ross and Jon Walker, of Panic! at the Disco have formed a new “band” or duo of sorts, dubbing themselves The Young Veins. Ironic that the announcement came within a week of Cincinnati based indie sweethearts, Bad Veins’, debut release on Dangerbird Records. Two Veins? - not super keen on that idea, especially since I’m a supporter of the underdog.
Where Ryan was the lyrical mastermind being Panic!’s hits, the key word here is “was.” Will anyone care about his new project? In the beginning, I’m sure there will be a buzz, but ultimately, my guess is a big fat NO. Or, worst case scenario, even if people initially do care, I predict The Young Veins will further alienate the tweens who didn’t get Panic!’s second record, Pretty. Odd., which abandoned pop punk for 60s psychadelia. Bad Veins have a sweet and innocent air about them for which even the snootiest indie hipster can’t help but have a soft spot. They’re uniquely appealing- from the lo-fi approach to their live show, with a reel-to-reel as a third bandmate, to the organic vocal effects singer Ben Davis creates with megaphones and old telephones to the dynamic, relentless drumming of Sebastien Schultz. Bad Veins is interesting. Ryan Ross, well, isn’t. (Who’s Jon Walker again?)
Problem with Ryan Ross is that his straight out of Williamsburg “look” doesn’t make him appear to be any less of a fraud the indie scene rejected with the onset of Panic!. Good luck to The Young Veins, but where I come from, they’re no match for Bad Veins if there’s only room for one.
Written by: Acacia
