Stereo Villain's new CD an eclectic mix

Vic de Sousa, best known for his Elvis tribute act at Blue Suede Festival, is releasing his first CD with Stereo Villain on July 11.

In celebrating this achievement, The Mercury Room in Edmonton will be the scene of the release.

Although Stereo Villain takes centre stage, the four-piece also invited Ear Protection and Government Official to open the evening’s festivities.

Titled Blood & Soul, the album is a fresh start at creating a sound that is electronic pop with a rock edge, says lead singer Vic de Sousa.

“It’s kind of Bon Jovi mixed with Blink 182 and a dusting of electronic drums,” said the St. Albert resident.

Rounding out the energetic mix is Mitch Dory (drums), Craig Dory (bass) and Cole Carleton (guitar/keyboard).

As experienced musicians, the foursome recorded Blood & Soul at Edmonton’s Powersound Studios over a two-week period.

Not only is Blood & Soul the CD’s moniker, it’s also the title track that guides the band’s musical philosophy.

“It’s about putting your heart and soul into something. Everybody puts their blood, sweat and tears into something. With musicians, it’s blood and soul,” explained de Sousa.

Stiletto, their first single, focuses on the breakdown of a relationship. Instead of going with an expected down-in-the-dumps melody, the band opted for a toe-tapping rockabilly vibe with distorted guitars.

“When you play it live and loud, there’s an immediate reaction. Because it has a poppy, rockabilly edge, people identify with it right away. They clap, snap their fingers and get moving.”

Veering in the opposite direction is Live for the Moment, a reflective ballad about losing a friend.

“It’s a song that tells you not to take life for granted, to live life to the fullest. You never know when it’s the last.”

The song Self-control goes retro and was inspired by The Cars, an American rock band that emerged as part of the new wave scene in the ’70s and ’80s. This band was on the forefront of merging guitar rock with synthesizer-oriented pop.

“Self-control is about not being able to control yourself and not being able to move in a relationship.”

The CD has already been released to iTunes. After the official release on Saturday, the band is bumping it to the secondary radio markets coupled with planned mini-tours.

“If you want to see four guys jumping around like the Energizer bunny on Saturday, this is the place to be. It’s about feeling the music and putting your blood and soul on stage.”