Van Go Lion is a group that you need to familiarize yourselves with. The Portland-based electro-pop duo consists of Amy Paige on vocals and Josh Loerzel on keys. A lot of electro-pop today is lacking in the vocal department. All too frequently too much energy and attention is paid to the production and beats, leaving the vocalist swallowed up by the sound. Amy Paige is NOT that sort of vocalist. A beautiful, strong voice combined with crystal clear annunciation and delivery, her vocals persevere, enhancing the beautiful melodies produced by her classically-trained pianist partner, Loerzel. The importance of their partnership isn't lost on Amy.
"Pop music can be fun, but it can have more substance. If you really listen to the songs and what Josh is playing, it's really involved stuff -- a lot of these tracks are classical at the core. Just because its pop doesn't mean it's throwaway."
The band saw it's start after Amy moved cross-country from New York City to Portland, answering Josh's Craigslist advert looking for a singer for a band. The two bonded over a mutual love for Tears For Fears' "Head Over Heels" and decided to split from the band and go off on their own 80s/90s inspired direction. The debut self-titled EP features six songs written by the pair and really only whets my appetite for more.
"It's pretty clear we're a couple of 80's dorks when you hear our music. It's quirky, it makes you dance, and if you do it right, there's nothing better than a good pop song. We listen to a lot of Prince, Tears for Fears, Hall and Oates, Eurythmics and early Madonna."
Every song on their MySpace player is a catchy electro-pop smash. Standouts for me include "The Ache," "Glow" and "Excuses, Please" the latter of which is available on their debut digital EP, on iTunes now. Van Go Lion is a sweet, synthy, surprise. Listen to "The Ache" below:
Check out Van Go Lion on the web: