March 1, The Southern Café and Music Hall
Minnesota duo Vansire plays almost off-puttingly soft and reserved music. The main drivers, Sam Winemiller and Josh Augustin, have called their artistic output “chillwave-inspired,” which fits the bill in many respects. The band’s growing discography reflects a multi-instrumental approach that is as willing to drop a banjo and finger-picked acoustic guitar in front of the listener as it is to employ a straightforward, four-piece indie rock band. Generally, the production intentionally obscures, at points drawing an impressionist cloud of vibrant colors and remaining steadfast in its commitment to rounded edges and velour-like textures.
Now in its 10th year, Vansire continues to reflect the lyric sensibilities steeped in the traditions of hipster points of view that made college radio what it was in the early 1980s. Having said that, the music wavers between riding along affably or, indeed, chilling out. This is not a morose affair as much as it is nostalgic and free-flowing. Vansire dabbles in keyboard parts that bounce out jazz chords, the lightest funk guitar possible, and bass that would otherwise kickstart a dance floor—but the way these tracks swing, that’s not going to happen with the slightest hint of aggression. Vansire’s take is bred with Midwestern kindness that leans into a valium-infused yacht rock, despite having some slightly off-brand rap spots on its last full-length, The Modern Western World (2022). It’s difficult to predict who will be on stage for this tour stop, as the duo has a habit of bringing along a full outfit in order to maintain depth in a live setting.
Openers Toledo, another act driven by two youngish dudes, run a decidedly indie business with a whispery touch. On first blush, they’re the perfect pairing for the headliners, as they too, are deft creators of an equally hazy world framed in reverb and lost in dreams of summer.
Supplied photo.
