CD Review of...
Virginia Coalition
OK to GO
By: Nicole Roberge
Virginia Coalition, better known as VACO to some, has that unique ability to reel in anyone at their live show with their peppy stage presence and even peppier music. But don’t count them out as simply a jam band. Their music is masterfully crafted and the musicianship in the band is easily demonstrated on each track of their recent album, “Ok to Go,” but their clever lyricism can be dually noted as what makes VACO such a great band.
Their honest and straightforward lyrics shine on “Last Goodbye” as Andrew Poliakoff sings, “If you’re arrested you can give me a call.” “Walk to Work” is high in energy and could easily be marked as a signature VACO song, with its funky beat, amusing lyrics and Poliakoff’s unique singing style. “Abby Are You Endless” is sharp while “Meteor” is laidback but with a spark of brilliance. “Places People” is one of the best tracks lyrically and musically, both witty and charming as it opens “Everybody here knows you’re crazy, been bouncin’ like a bird on a limb since the minute they let you in.” The song, and album, ends with a fun cover of “No Diggity.” Though they all contain various elements, none of their songs ever get too lost within themselves; they are always clear and the band can be appreciated for that in both their music and their performance of it.
VACO is definitely a band worthy of attention, and it is clear that they are well on their way to getting much more of that.