VR SEX’s discography sounds like the path of a human being who is growing, evolving, and changing the way of seeing the world and the relation as an individual that is part of a multitude called modern society. The latest album by Andrew Clinco’s acid punk alias VR SEX is taking this project even further along this lane.
“Rough Dimension is more about the way we restrict ourselves as a result of our decision-making skills as a collective. Songs on this record are told from both the first person as well as the observer. I like keeping the perspective ambiguous though as to not direct the listener but rather propose various scenarios for consideration,” Clinco says. “This is LP 2 but really in many ways a reinforcement of the themes presented in LP 1. Now that VR SEX has grown into a fully formed 5-piece band, I’d like to see the sonics of the project turn a little more away from the drum machine and synth-driven aesthetics presented in the beginning and move toward a more guitar-heavy, psychedelic/punk-leaning project if you will.”
Rough Dimension well represents the state of the world right now, or at least something many people are experiencing at this specific historical moment. “Broadly speaking, Rough Dimension is about the various predicaments we, as a society, have got ourselves into as a result of a blind embrace of the future, the next, and the better, without considering many of the long-term consequences,” Clinco continues. “The name Rough Dimension is also an architectural double entendre that refers to a kind of “loose planning” – which relates to that type of aforementioned “short-sightedness.” The subtext of this record recalls simpler times – times when ignorant behavior actually allowed one to live in a dream state. Perhaps ignorance is still bliss for a select few, but now more than ever, it feels like we’re living through one of the more ruder awakenings. Hard to imagine anyone right is totally checked out without a care in the world.
Clinco wrote and demoed the new album across two weeks alone in a Marseille flat using his prized 1980’s Gibson “Invader” and a laptop, and then took the tracks to Strange Weather studios in Brooklyn to record with Ben Greenberg (Uniform, The Men). “I always get my best writing done when I’m removed from my city (LA) and in a place with no obligations, a lack of understanding of the language, and hopefully in another time zone,” he explains. “Spending time in Marseille allowed me all those things. I brought with me a guitar, small keyboard, my laptop, and a microphone and found a great deal on a flat that overlooked the old port of Marseille. I stayed there for about a week logging at least 1 to 2 songs a day. I also took a train to Lyon, FR and made a couple demos there as well as a few in a small hotel in the Pigalle area of Paris. I typically send Ben my demos as I go and then we talk about them. He’s an amazing collaborator and always has fantastic production input. When I returned back to the States, I booked a couple weeks at Strange Weather in Brooklyn and began to hammer out the album versions. I played drums, guitar, and sang on the record and Ben handled the bass duties.”
Together they recorded the new album focusing on the key element of a dense but expansive stereo guitar. “For this record I wanted it to sound an inch from your face but also 10 feet to your right and left ears. Personally, I think Ben nailed that. He’s a master when it comes to sonic width,” Clinco admits. “Drums were meant to be thick, full frequency, with also a bit of synthetic reverb that was short, tight, and practically non-linear – Not slap-back delay though. The bass guitar was layered note for note with a Moog Rogue; some songs hand-played, other songs midi’d out through a MIDI>CV/ Gate converter.”
The result is a ripping and riveting sound. “The goal was to keep it simple and let the songs shine on the merits of the chord progressions, lyrics, and of course production style. Hopefully it just amps people up to dance while at the same time turns their focus inwards.”
Watch the video for “Walk of Fame” here:
For more from VR SEX, find them on Instagram, Facebook, and Bandcamp.
Photo courtesy of Corinne Schiavone
