The Violet Archers
End of Part One
(Northern Electric)
Tim Vesely remains the unsung hero of Rheostatics. He writes the strongest pop songs in the band’s oeuvre. Vesely side project The Violet Archers allows him to set loose the pop master within, offering memorable melodies in “Co-ordinates,” “Time to Kill” and more, a lovely little acoustic ballad in “Saved Me” and some darker slow-builders like “All the Good.” There’s a horn trio, guest guitar parts by Jose Contreras of By Divine Right and drums by Steve Pitkin. “Track Display” sounds the most like Rheostatics with multiple vocal parts counterpointing and synthesizer taking lead (like you hear on the last Stats album, 2067). Vesely harmonizes with Ida Nelsen (of Buttless Chaps), who also plays piano and Rhodes keys. A gorgeous pop affair.
—Sean Flinn
This article appears in Dec 6-12, 2007.