The Power EP Review
New York's female-fronted duo Villins recently released their self-produced debut The Power on March 26th. The band, featuring Jesyka on vocals and guitarist/producer Kareem "Jesus" Devlin have forged a strong fanbase within their local district, since their inception in 2016, with appearances at The McKittrick Hotel (Home of Sleep No More), and on Adult Swim's Desperate Losers. The band's fun and energetic music mix commercial appeal with an edgy rock sound and disco beats.
The four-track EP was produced by the band at the Villins HQ during the NYC Covid lockdown last year. The band's unique and dynamic approach to production and songwriting is none more apparent than in the opener "Lightgiver". The slick production combines mesmerizing electric programming with the duo's tight and creative chemistry to publish a song that could very well be a radio hit. Lead Vocalist Jesyka comes across with a warm and innocuous charm on a song I believe is about an unhealthy relationship. Her rich melodies are compounded by the haunting guitar lines that strike through the ear.
Next up is " Let's Break Some Shit", the major hit that appeared on the 'Desperate Losers'...and it's understandable why! Jesyka's sultry rap verses over an electronic dance beat give the song added grit. "Jesus" is the guitar wizard with the skill and ability to create enduring solos and breaks to emphasize the lead vocals.
"Do it For the Thrill" is an up-tempo pop song full of charm. The additional funky disco beat reminds me of a certain Kylie Minogue in her prime. The strong synthesizers and lasers add impetus to a good dance song. And finally, "The Power" wraps things up like a first commandment. This instrumental is a heavy rock track with gothic undertones. Jesyka talks over a sombre ambience and sirens to close this chapter for now.
Villins bring the power with this fresh perspective on mainstream rock. There is no doubting the duo have the talent and chemistry to write songs that are as meaningful to themselves, as it is for prying ears. The band has a bright future with its unique and fresh sound
VILLINS INTERVIEW: JESYKA AND "JESUS"
Good afternoon, could you introduce yourselves to the readers? We are Jesyka and Jesus, and together, we’re known as Villins.
How did the band form? We first worked together about six years ago when Jesus produced and co-wrote Jesyka’s previous band’s record. During the process of writing and recording the record, we found that we had some amazing creative chemistry and decided to make something entirely new together… and so Villins was born ;)
Your music ranges from several influences like electronica, heavy rock, funk, pop. How would you describe your overall sound to new listeners? We like to feel free to make music without being limited by any genre or scene. That said, we like to think that the one constant listeners can expect from us are great songs. We are essentially a rock band that also loves to get people dancing.
Who are your influences? One of the first artists we connected over was our mutual love of Ozzy Osborne’s Blizzard Of Ozz and Diary Of A Madman. That golden era of metal records is always a source of inspiration for us. That said, we listen to all kinds of different music, especially when we’re driving on surf trips... A typical Villins driving playlist usually includes The Clash, Michael Jackson, Queen, Black Flag, Prince, The Band, Teddy Pendergrass, Blondie, Van Halen.
Could you tell me about your debut EP The Power, which came out on Friday? The Power EP in many ways is a direct interpretation of the live show we have been performing for the past couple of years. Each song on the record has its own personality. We’re so stoked to have this record out in the world, so even if you can’t see us live, you can get a feel for who we are.
What do new listeners expect from the EP? First and foremost we hope that listeners will go on a journey when they listen to the record. Although it is only an EP in length, we really took the time to try and make ‘The Power’ work as a record from beginning to end, and we think we accomplished that.
What was the recording process behind the EP? We recorded all of the vocals, guitars, keyboards, drum programming, and sound design right here at Villins HQ in New York City. Gunnar Olsen recorded live drums remotely, then Joshua Valleau mixed the record and Chris Gehringer from Sterling Sound mastered it. It was recorded during NYC’s Covid Quarantine.
What inspires you to write the songs you do? Each other ;)
The guitarist Kareem “Jesus” Devlin was the lead guitarist on Lady Gaga’s Monster Ball HBO Special, what was it like to perform with such an iconic figure on a big stage? Also, how have you transitioned into being part of your own band? The Monster Ball HBO Special was a dream come true on many levels, but what was most special about it for me was that we filmed it at Madison Square Garden in New York City. NYC is my (and LG’s) hometown, and performing at The Garden with my parents in the audience was an unforgettable experience.
After touring with Gaga I decided to take time away from the road to be closer to home to raise my daughter, who was born during the Monster Ball. Knowing that working for an artist like Gaga was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, I knew that the next thing that I would want to do would be something creative as a part of my own band. The transition from then until now has been an amazing journey!
Who came up with the idea of the laser beam guitar? We are always thinking of practical stage effects that we can do ourselves onstage. The way we incorporate lasers into our show allows us to animate our creative world onstage without any assistance offstage. We have a lot of fun designing our live show :)
One of the tracks off the EP “ Let’s Break Some Shit”, was featured on Adult Swim’s Desperate Losers. Can you tell me how that came about? At that time we were playing a residency at The McKittrick Hotel (home of Sleep No More) and a friend who had come to the show suggested us as guests to Josh and Matt, who were shooting Desperate Losers out of a pop-up space on Canal St in NYC. Those guys are brilliant and we had an amazing time working with them!
Do you feel it is important for an up-and-coming act such as yourselves to get exposure on TV shows etc? Absolutely - it helps us reach so many new fans!
And finally, what is next for Villins? Another music video, beginning to play live again, and our first full-length album! Words on both pieces by Anselm Anderson
Who came up with the idea of the laser beam guitar? We are always thinking of practical stage effects that we can do ourselves onstage. The way we incorporate lasers into our show allows us to animate our creative world onstage without any assistance offstage. We have a lot of fun designing our live show :)
One of the tracks off the EP “ Let’s Break Some Shit”, was featured on Adult Swim’s Desperate Losers. Can you tell me how that came about? At that time we were playing a residency at The McKittrick Hotel (home of Sleep No More) and a friend who had come to the show suggested us as guests to Josh and Matt, who were shooting Desperate Losers out of a pop-up space on Canal St in NYC. Those guys are brilliant and we had an amazing time working with them!
Do you feel it is important for an up-and-coming act such as yourselves to get exposure on TV shows etc? Absolutely - it helps us reach so many new fans!
And finally, what is next for Villins? Another music video, beginning to play live again, and our first full-length album! Words on both pieces by Anselm Anderson
"Let's Break Some Shit"
"LightGiver"
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