100 Bands in 100 Days Presented by Verity Credit Union — Day 5: Van Eps

September 27, 2017September 27, 2017 NorthWest Music Scene Staff

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Please check out Verity Credit Union, our great partner in the 100 Bands in 100 Days local music showcase.

Artwork by Seattle-area painter E.R. Saba

Music fans of the Pacific Northwest, get ready for our fourth annual year-end daily local music showcase, 100 Bands in 100 Days, where every day until December 31st, we’re showcasing a new band or artist you have to know about, presented by Verity Credit Union. Make sure you are checking the #100Bands100Days hashtag at Twitter on the daily to stay on top of all the bands featured and make sure to follow Verity on Twitter and NW_Music_Scene as well. Some days the featured act could be an established and locally-adored northwest-based musician and other times they could be a band with a small following that just hasn’t had their deserved time in the sun yet. Either way, we’re fairly confident you can come away from this daily segment with plenty of new favorites. Today’s featured artist is Van Eps and they call Seattle home.

Van Eps is a straight-up, meat and potatoes rock & roll outfit that’s been a mainstay in the Seattle rock scene since 2006. Their sound can best be described as a “classic feel with a modern edge,” drawing influences from the Foo Fighters, AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, and Jet, to name a few. Any conversation about the best current rock bands in Seattle that don’t include the name Van Eps are incomplete.

We reviewed Van Eps’ latest album a few months ago and here’s what we had to say: :

Van Eps II has a rockin’, high energy feel about it. Matt Strutynski’s voice is a screaming beauty with plenty of force and soul to give this music all the power it deserves, a strength that was so awesome on Van Eps, their 2015 self-titled debut album. These guys have a good handle on their instruments and high energy, those are a must for a band trying to make its mark in the rock world.

This seven song delicacy starts off with the rambunctious and funky tune “Blood,” with an excitement that runs throughout, giving the listener a heads-up about the ride they are about to experience. Bobby Steenrod and his bass sound clear, you can feel it and hear it. It lays a solid, firm base for the album and compliments the beat of the drums nicely, as heard on “Market.” Jake Jovaovich is a powerhouse on the drums, most notably with steadfast explosions on songs “Burn” and “Anchor.” Dexterous guitarist, Brad Steenrod has a wonderful relationship with his axe, generously sharing his prowess with brilliant solos throughout this rockin’ adventure, such as on “Zombie,” which is a beauty that has a basic riff and slithers softly, like a snake screaming -“I’m Just An Animal!”

We also recently caught them at the Layne Staley Tribute Show at Seattle’s historic Moore Theatre, where they tore the roof off with smoking versions of “Heaven Beside You” and “Rooster.” Definitely check out the music player below and become a fan of one of Seattle’s hottest rock bands.

(Listen to the album below via Bandcamp, and get more info about Van Eps at their website HERE.)

Submissions for 100 Bands in 100 Days are still open to any Pacific Northwest band interested in submitting. If you would like to submit for a chance to be featured in this segment, consult this link for more information on how you can do so.

A huge shoutout to Verity Credit Union for doing so much for the music community and for being such a great partner.