In a coastal enclave in New Haven, Connecticut, amidst the ebb and flow of sailing and fishing culture, VRSA’s latest album, Saltwater Circadian embodies the maritime life surrounding the four piece band.
The journey to Saltwater Circadian wasn’t a predetermined path but rather a convergence of elements, both creative and circumstantial. As vocalist and guitarist Josh reflects,
“Living on the coast of Long Island Sound along with sailing and fishing culture has led to a ten-year journey of writing with nautical imagery. Even before our previous release Cvlt of Machina, the seed of Saltwater Circadian started to take hold in my mind.”
Further shaping the album’s trajectory were the creative processes and the delays that were spurred by the pandemic-induced quarantine. As discussed in our conversation with Josh, they ultimately influenced Saltwater Circadian’s thematic depth and sonic landscape.
Crafting an album rooted in seafaring traditions and inspired by the eerie allure of H.P. Lovecraft’s tales required an immersive creative process. Delving into historical lore and fantastical realms, VRSA navigated the waters of songwriting collaboratively, weaving together intricate arrangements and evocative narratives. The result is a tapestry of sound that draws from the band’s previous works while charting new territories of musical exploration.
At the heart of Saltwater Circadian lies the epic track “Born on the Tide,” a nine-minute opus that wonderfully captures the album’s grandeur and ambition. The song’s expansive scope demanded meticulous attention to detail, reflecting VRSA‘s commitment to pushing creative boundaries.
Taking their name from a staph infection, VRSA (Vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus), that has mutated by overuse of antibiotics is seemingly apropos for the band. They themselves have mutated from the sounds of their debut album 2010’s Old Man Gray to 2011’s Galaxia to 2015’s Phantom of an Erain to the 2018 EP Cvlt of Machina. With each ‘mutation’ so to speak, the band has continued to explore who they are and not become stagnant in their sound.
That continuous flow of exploration is heard in Saltwater Circadian. While elements of metal sludge and doom are still there, there is a refinement to them. Each of the six tracks on the album seamlessly transition into one another like waves and while yes the album can be heard as stand alone tracks or in any order one sees fit, Saltwater Circadian is best heard in one sitting in order for maximum effect.
That maximum effect is a surprisingly soothing sound. Saltwater Circadian could have been heavily steeped in sludgy doom metal, but defies the genre expectation in sound and is bright and hopeful.
If nothing else Saltwater Circadian shines a wonderful spotlight on VRSA’s ever evolving sound.
MUST LISTEN TRACKS: all six tracks
