Vansire at The Regent Theater 7/23/24
Vanisre, taken by Atikis Curiel
Vansire is a gem of a band. The indie, lo-fi, and techno sounds they produce are otherworldly at times. They have a song for almost any moment in your life. It can be your daily commute to work, and you catch a beautiful sunrise or sunset. A fond memory that you treasure. Songs such as "Brown Study" and one of their most popular ones, "From Subway Train," serve as these songs for your "main character" moments that you may experience in your life.
Their sound is like no other, and the vocals from lead singer Josh Augustin are undoubtedly one of the most unique I've heard. It fits hugely with every track, robotic but in a good way; it's pronounced, and when you hear it, you know you're listening to Vanisre.
I forgot exactly how I first came across Vansire in 2019. The first song was "From Subway Train". It is a fantastic song, but it is only 57 seconds long. It's an angelic song, limited to 57 seconds. I had it on repeat. They have since come out with an extended version that extends the song from 57 seconds to 2 and a half minutes, a very generous bump to such a great track.
Front man Josh Augustin, taken by Atikis Curiel
So, ever since then, I have wanted to see them live. But then COVID hit and messed up many tour dates for not only them but for the majority of musicians. My luck changed early this year when they announced three shows, and their third and last show? Los Angeles.
This show would take me back to The Regent Theater. The last time I was here was in March to see Loving. It was good to be at a familiar venue. This would have been a better venue if I weren't for the slanted pit; it does a number on your back.
The opener for this show was Juno 60. It was a band I needed to familiarize myself with, but they had a decent set. It's not my taste in music, but they were good.
Shortly after, Vansire came on the stage and started the set with "The Latter Teens," a great song with great melody and lyrics, like you're in an indie music video. You're camping in the forest with your friends, having the time of your life, or doing something adventurous.
Vansire taken by Atikis Curiel
They played possibly my favorite song from them, "Just the Right Song." It is a techno/indie song with a fantastic chorus, synthesizers, and lyrics. Augustin was surprised that the majority of the concertgoers knew the song.
Vansire's set was excellent, with fantastic music and phenomenal vibes. The crowd was lively, as was the stage. They had different instruments, like a saxophone, that they added to songs that originally never had it and played out a song longer than it originally was. It was just so cool to see the songs I listen to daily performed in a way that will forever be engraved into my mind.
This is a band that I recommend a thousand times over. They're just that good. I can't explain anything further. You must listen to them and maybe catch a show when they tour.