Travis DeVries is the driving force leading the new Brooklyn based band, deVries. He released their debut album, “Death to God,” in 2009 on Noise on Noise, and the response by reviewers has been unanimously positive. The online webzine Incendiary Magazine went as far as to declare it, “probably the greatest Manchester album never to have been made in Manchester.” Most recently, UK based Young Rebel, added them to their March online play list, and hailed Travis as “a great talent.”
Travis DeVries comes from Seattle, where for a decade, he had been the lead singer and songwriter of legendary shoegaze band, The Turn-ons. In 2009, Spin magazine listed them in it’s “100 Greatest Bands You (Probably) Never Heard.” And long before that, Peter Buck of R.E.M. declared them, “simply my favorite new Seattle band,” in an article for Q Magazine.
He moved to NYC in the summer of 2008 after the recording of Death to God was completed, and continued deVries there with a new line-up of talented musicians (Sean Gibbons, lead guitar; Martin Glazier, guitar; Johnny Lancia, bass; & Kuki Kooks, drums). They are playing shows throughout Brooklyn to growing popularity and enthusiasm, and writing new songs to be recorded later this year for a future release. They are also looking forward to hitting the road and tour come summer.
Meanwhile, post production work on his follow-up to “Death to God,” appropriately titled, “I Have Chosen Hell,” is being completed and should be released sometime this summer on Noise on Noise. It will contain the remaining tracks from his prolific 2007 recording session, and on up thru his last session in January of this year with his longtime friend, and former Turn-ons’ band mate and producer, Erik Blood.
Here is a chance to say “you knew them in the beginning,” and hear a band destined for cult worship, or something even greater! Travis’ music comes straight from his heart. He writes songs that are haunting, lush, engaging, emotional, and intelligent. It tends to reminds listeners of what they love most about music, and what is lacking most in indie music today. We’ve chosen two songs that capture the true sense of what deVries is about. ‘Broken Heart’ has been reported as Travis’ favorite song off “Death to God,” and the debut of ‘I Have Chosen Hell’ is a sneak peak at the title track of the upcoming album. We hope you enjoy these songs and support great music whenever you hear it!
“Death to God” can be found online at CD Baby, Amazon, and iTunes. Enjoy!
Instrumentation:
Travis DeVries-vox, guitar
Sean Gibbons- lead guitar
Martin Glazier – guitar
Johnny Lancia – bass
Kuki Kooks – drums
Websites:
Discography:
Song Samples:
Broken Heart
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I Have Chosen Hell
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