Sacramento, California-based heavy rock band Sages drops their brand-new EP, I, engineered, mixed, and produced by Beau Burchell.
Talking about I, vocalist/guitarist Dino Vidovich shares, “This EP is packed with big riffs, greasy drum grooves (thanks, Chris), and some of the most introspective lyrics I’ve penned to date. We’re just a bunch of friends writing music we enjoy, and I feel like that energy really came through in these songs. They’re raw and honest, intense, but beautiful and subtle as well. We covered quite a bit of ground stylistically with this batch of tunes. Sonically, it’s next level for us. Beau Burchell, our producer, absolutely nailed the vibe we were going for and knocked the production out of the park. It was an absolute blast working with him and putting this whole thing together. Beau actually shredded the guitar solo in the opening track ‘Falling.’ and it might just be my favorite part of the entire EP, ha-ha. Go peep it and spread the word!”
Made up of Vidovich (vocals, guitar), Ryan Cavalli (guitar), Matt Franks (bass), and Chris Robyn (drums), through happenstance, the power of song, exploration, and analysis of the simulation, Sages found the necessary connection to focus and create.
Comprising five tracks, I begins with “Fallng,” featuring Beau Burchell, starting off with a softer intro, followed by ramping up to heaving guitars as Vidovich’s dreamy voice soars above, and then becomes a raging howl. Burchell’s incandescent guitar licks infuse the solo with fulminating surfaces.
Entry points include “Walk Away,” opening on thick, chunky guitars riding a potent rhythm featuring a fat, pulsating bassline and hammering percussion. Vidovich’s vocals range from melodic tones to snarling, rasping textures, imbuing the lyrics with edgy passion.
“Left For Dead” rolls out on fierce guitars atop a mid-tempo rhythm as Vidovich parades his superb voice. Vaguely reminiscent of Chevelle, only with more harmonic shifts and nuances, this track vibrates with dark, thrumming energy.
Perhaps the best track on the EP because of its pulsating motion and Vidovich’s velvety, evocative vocals, “Happy” reveals shades of melancholy and delicious tender, warmth. Gentle, glowing harmonies give the tune depth and dimension.
Sages have it going on! With I, the band delivers muscular rock marinated in subtle sonic tangs capped by the mobile, expressive voice of Dino Vidovich.
