Viv
Flawed
© 2004 Matthew J Ostrander (709363726328)
CD IN STOCK. ORDER NOW. Will ship immediately.
Indie, Alternative rock from San Francisco, CA. Steve Bowman formerly from the counting crows plays in this band. Viv's music is a blend of americana, emo and punk pop. If you like lyric driven songs then you'll love viv's music.
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Instrumentation
Justus Dobrin - Keyboards, samplers
Matt Ostrander-Lead singer, guitarist
Steve Bowman- Drummer
Erik Semo- Bass, singer
Mike Fiorentino- Guitar, Electric Violin
Biography
Who Is ViV?
Gifted with great musical talent and undeniably great songs, ViV is an infectious group. Since the formation of the band in 2001, ViV has rapidly grown a cult following nationwide. Singer/Songwriter Matt Ostrander is joined by Steve Bowman (Counting Crows, Third Eye Blind) on drums, Justus Dobrin on keys, Mike Fiorentino on violin, mandolin and guitar, Erik Semo on bass and vocals to create a unique blend of music that is rich and deep with American and British influences. With the release of their sophomore album "Flawed", Viv is constantly touring nationwide in the United States promoting and building their fan base... The album has tracks produced by David Cole (Melissa Ethridge, Cake), Adam Rossi (Luce), Thom Canova and by the band themselves. Rounding out the great musicians on Flawed are appearances by Dave Immergluck (Counting Crows) and Bruce Kaphan (American Music Club).
Some of ViV's accomplishments include:
Chosen by Comcast Cable / Pay Per View for a live Concert Filming on February 6th, 2004 for nationwide U.S. release
January 2004, Added to the soundtrack for "See this Movie" a movie by Joe Smith produced by the peeps who brought you American Pie.
Added to Park City TV's X Show, January-February 2004
Featured on KFOG 104.5 Local Scene as an up and coming artist to watch in 2004
December of 2003 added to major motion picture soundtrack for the film "see this movie" by Joe Smith and the producers of American Pie
Current play on 200+ college radio stations in the US and Canada
Winner 30 Best Bands Contest on Kazaa.com/ 450,000 song downloads since 1/1/03.
Invited: Sundance Film Festival 2003.
7,000 copies of their 1st album sold.
Development of ViV and A Movie and Revival Music Festival - more info at www.vivtheband.com
Numerous T.V and Radio performances...
Some album appearances include:
Amp 6 Pack compilation (Pepsi Co.)
Decent Exposure Vol. 2
Nadine's wild weekend compilation
Cornerband.com compilation
Freeway entertainment compilation
ViV can be seen touring the east coast, the west coast, Denver/Boulder and Salt Lake City regularly.
Management:
Joe Schuld
www.joes-music.com
913.888.6681
joesmusic@everestkc.net
Website
http://www.vivtheband.com
Discography
Viv- White Album Release 2001
ViV- "Flawed" released 2004
reviews
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This album is awesome! I totally reccomend it. Stunning!
author: Edward Burke, a College DJ and music booker in VT.The greatest thing about VIV's new album? It DOES NOT live up to it's title. I see nothing to complain about on this album, which is chock full to the brim of catchy, memorable pop/punk songs that I would actually like listening to on a regular basis. Not only are there equal elements of pop and punk, but these guys rock out with the hurricane force of U2, the chill-out, acoustic subtlety of Jack Johnson or James Taylor, the total orginality of the Beatles, and the sheer, brutal, no-inhibitions-experimentation of Radiohead or Bjork. You should definately start with the song "Green", which also appeared on the band's first album, but now enhanced with an added, spacey violin intro and added, rough, if not impassioned vocals at the end. "Green" is by far my favorite song on both albums, and it has somg great, yet mysterious lyrics. Other notable tracks on "Flawed" are "Shine", "Suzanne's One Good Eye", "Out In the Rain", and "Did I". "Friends" is ok, but the chorus is a bit annoying, or annoyingly catchy? YOU decide. VIV does have a funny name, it's true, but the band seems to be moving in serious directions. You who are reading this review can take them there with your support. We're all "...a little flawed, but that's ok".
Flawed Album review
author: Bullz EyeThe sophomore release from San Francisco alt-rock band ViV, Flawed, is one of the best things to happen to my CD player in quite some time. While the major labels keep merging and focusing on a select few artists, the streets have become flooded with more great bands than ever, and ViV is one of them. While there is a Pete-Yorn-meets-Foo-Fighters current running through their music, there is also a Brit-pop melodic sensibility and feel-good factor that can't be measured on star ratings alone. "Friends" starts out with crunching guitars and lush harmonies, and is a perfectly crafted pop tune. Lead singer Matt Ostrander has one of those voices that's made for modern rock radio, and that is most evident on "Did I," my pick for best song here. The title track has an Americana flavor, courtesy of some cool slide guitar and "Suzanne's One Good Eye" sounds like Pete Yorn fronting Neil Young's band. "Bob Dylan Said So" is a lyrically intriguing pop diddy, and "Shine" has some cool production value with guitars that seem to come from everywhere amid slick drum loops and sweet vocal harmonies. "Suffer" is one of those songs that moves along slowly, but draws you in like a piece of meat luring a dog, and is equally haunting and beautiful. By the time you reach the last track, "Out of the Rain," it's evident that Flawed has one thing that most records lack—you can actually listen to the whole thing. I found myself going back to the beginning time and again and never tiring of it. There are artists like John Mayer and Norah Jones that have come along in the last few years and made the jump from average Joe to pop icon. ViV is a band that, armed with a great new record, has that kind of potential. Hopefully they will make me say I told you so.
Awarestore Runs Bullz-eye Flawed Album review
author: AwarestoreThe sophomore release from San Francisco alt-rock band ViV, Flawed, is one of the best things to happen to my CD player in quite some time. While the major labels keep merging and focusing on a select few artists, the streets have become flooded with more great bands than ever, and ViV is one of them. While there is a Pete-Yorn-meets-Foo-Fighters current running through their music, there is also a Brit-pop melodic sensibility and feel-good factor that can't be measured on star ratings alone. "Friends" starts out with crunching guitars and lush harmonies, and is a perfectly crafted pop tune. Lead singer Matt Ostrander has one of those voices that's made for modern rock radio, and that is most evident on "Did I," my pick for best song here. The title track has an Americana flavor, courtesy of some cool slide guitar and "Suzanne's One Good Eye" sounds like Pete Yorn fronting Neil Young's band. "Bob Dylan Said So" is a lyrically intriguing pop diddy, and "Shine" has some cool production value with guitars that seem to come from everywhere amid slick drum loops and sweet vocal harmonies. "Suffer" is one of those songs that moves along slowly, but draws you in like a piece of meat luring a dog, and is equally haunting and beautiful. By the time you reach the last track, "Out of the Rain," it's evident that Flawed has one thing that most records lack-you can actually listen to the whole thing. I found myself going back to the beginning time and again and never tiring of it. There are artists like John Mayer and Norah Jones that have come along in the last few years and made the jump from average Joe to pop icon. ViV is a band that, armed with a great new record, has that kind of potential. Hopefully they will make me say I told you so.
Glide Magazine reviews Viv's Sophmore release:
author: GlideGrass roots can do wonders for a fledgling band. San Francisco-based ViV are a prime example of this fact, having built up a following with their weekly gathering of all things artsy called "ViV and a Movie." The event, which takes place every Monday, is a sensory smorgasbord of local short films, art, and a couple sets of the band's pop/rock stylings. It has proven to be a great way for this foursome to fashion an apostolic swarm of ViV-ophiles, and a prime vehicle to buoy their latest release, Flawed. This record is put together well. The songs are all apparent chapters to a cohesive lyrical story, and the production on the disc is excellent. The instrumentation, while comfortably familiar and certainly radio-friendly, is not simply a facsimile of play-list fodder. And I have to say that track #4, "Suzanne's One Good Eye," ranks as the best song name I've heard so far this year. There are some strong, reflective lyrics such as "And it's fate dressed up on a date in late December/Just can't win and it's hard to shake the memories." Overall, I got the impression that ViV is growing as a band, and are coming into their own. The journey isn't over, but they are on the right track.
Kristen Pasculli of Discovering Artists Reviews Viv's new Album: Flawed
author: Discovering ArtistsWith a sound lost somewhere between Coldplay and Beck, VIV has hit the music scene and beckoned its attention. "Flawed" has a bit of a Tom Petty/The Thorns vibe as it progresses lyrically with, "You're basically alright/A little flawed, but that's okay". These aren't goopy, romantic songs...they're fun tracks with thoughtful content. I can appreciate both kinds of music, and this craftsmanship and sound is certainly worth all the hype it's been getting. For a chill Guster-ish listen, this is the perfect selection.
A Review from Spain's "Espacio3"
author: Espacio3Segundo disco para esta banda de San Francisco comandada por Matt Ostrander y en el que dejan claro que aún les queda un trecho para definir su estilo. Desde las melodías vocales en plan The Flaming Lips, algunos tramos de "Friends", a estructuras clásicas del rock universitario americano, "Shine" y "Did I", marcan un discurso que no por manido deja de tener algún que otro momento atractivo. Si la presencia de miembros de Counting Crows, a la batería y en la producción, no te asusta puedes intentar darle una oportunidad. /Gustavo "Bambino" Zapico/
Smother.net Reviews Viv
author: Smother.netYou'll not want to cover your eyes during the duration of this well-thought-out indie album. ViV, which could easily be confused for the name of a disease (and sure it has its infectious qualities), put together a flow of great indie rock-n-roll hits that complement one another wildly. Songs like "Bob Dylan Said" show their light side that side that doesn't take itself too seriously, which in the indie world sometimes is difficult to find. I suppose what makes this band so important is that they're a vital addition to anyone's CD collection regardless of personal tastes. That's right, regardless of whether you typically like this type of music, this is an essential and you WILL like it. I promise. No really, go get it now.
Rikk Reviews ViV's "Flawed" Album
author: Rikk MathesonThe sophomore effort by the San Francisco Bay Area band Viv is a melodic alternative pop music CD that shows true integrity and promise. Viv has created a musically strong CD that shows why their cult following is so loyal to the band. They offer crisp compositions that have an edge but not abrasive. They also create music that is new and exciting and steer a bit off the well worn track. Flawed is a solid CD that should garner more success and gain the band some more attention. A big part of the allure of Viv is no small part attributed to the songwriting, vocals and guitar work of Matt Ostrander. His vocals are more reminiscent of the psychedelic era, and the writing seems to draw from a host of musical timelines as he incorporates a lot of rock and pop history into the songs. The arrangement is incredibly powerful, the tracks flow well, but remain single entities at the same time. There is no reason modern rock and pop radio shouldn't be playing tunes from Flawed. The main reason they may not is that it doesn't fit into the sound of the moment they are trying to sell, however Viv have offered one tune to the radio gods here, "Did I" is a triumph and could very easily be a hit on the pop, adult-alternative or modern rock radio. I don't think it is the best song on the CD, however it does sound the most commercially appealing. I am happy the big label guys didn't get their hooks into Viv before they got a chance to prove themselves, and they seem to have carved a place for themselves here. My choices of standout material here go to two cuts. The title track "Flawed" and the flare of "Shine" are two well crafted works that deserve your attention. This is worth checking out, the Bay area boys may become heavy hitters soon, I wouldn't want you to miss their journey, this is a well done disk!
Melodic Reviews Viv's Sophmore release:
author: MelodicViv is a band led by singer/songwriter Matt Ostrander that was formed in 2001 and released the debut the same year,together with Steve Bowman-Drums/Justus Dobrin-Keys/Mike Fiorentino-Violin,mandolin,guitar and Erik Semo-Bass they have recorded a fresh and warm sophomore album in "Flawed". All fans of The Wallflowers,Counting Crows and Rembrandts should look this way coz Viv plays rootsy and mature powerpop which feels ultra melodic. Matt has a tender and almost fragile voice that in some moments sounds a bit like Bob Dylan but only a little,as a matter of fact they have a song called "Bob Dylan" on this new album,however that song doesn't sound so much like a Dylan tune-it's more of a britpop song in the same vein as Coldplay,Travis and even some Radiohead. The opening track "Friends" is the highlight of the album with unforgettable melodies both in the verses and the chorus,imagine Wallflowers playing a Blue Oyster Cult tune and you've got "Friends"......sounds weird?!....well it aint. The rootsy and midwest sounding title track "Flawed" has some major romantic vibes to it,the chorus is made for a long ride in your car....you can play it over and over again. The last songs on this 9 track album are more acoustic based and drags the tempo down a bit but all in all,it's a record you can't live without.
Bettawreckonize Reviews
author: BettawreckonizeIf you're over 26, you were probably right there losing your religion when R.E.M. had their first brush with commercial fame in the nineties. R.E.M. is a band who in my estimation did much to push the door open for today's commercial indie rock boom. I think it's pretty safe to assume that marketing folks would be peddling cars, fries, toothpaste, and WB television shows with hairspray metal had it not been, at least in part, for R.E.M. While their exposure may have pissed off R.E.M.'s core fanbase, I think television commercials are better for it. Before this analogy gets thin let me clarify: while I'm not yet sure VIV has the potential to make as sizeable a contribution to the world of music as R.E.M. has, they are certainly at least one of the high caliber, pristine indie pop bands that will benefit from the doors R.E.M. left open. There are a lot of these kinds of bands, the "music behind the commercial though still a totally legit band" bands out there -- Modest Mouse, The Shins, The Walkmen and Remy Zero are included among these ranks folks. VIV could definitely go toe to toe with well-produced pop bands of their same ilk, bands who have a handle on the finer points of Weezer and The Police, of U2 and Tom Petty. While you're waiting to see which of the WB's lineup will benefit from a VIV-penned theme song, feel free get in on the ground floor and rock out to the perfectly acceptable Flawed. Then you can be one of the smug few, one of their early fanbase, who is entitled to talking shit on them on the internet when they make it big.
Crud Magazine UK Reviews Flawed
author: Crud MagazineViv's new album "Flawed" feels like the upside of a Dave Grohl mood swing – happy,earnest and direct. It's a collection of tub thumping indie pop; four minute sing-a-longs infused with sensitivity and driven by crunching guitars and big choruses. Although the San Francisco five piece's second album contains the occasional echoes of Blink 182 and Foo Fighters et al, it never feels derivative, simply another (excellent) addition to the grunge-pop genre. We begin by tumbling into "Friends", a celebration of relationships, followed by "Did I" with Matt Ostrander's vocals sliding over a beautiful two note guitar rhythm sublime in its simplicity. It's a strong start to the album – in fact any of the songs on "Flawed" are single material, with twists of guitar and simple, driving beats that evoke sun drenched escapes along the highways of our imaginations - simple yet smart lyrics about love and friendship, guitar solos like vapour trails and Ostrander's melodic, yelling vocals reminiscent of a bassier Mercury Rev all go to create a US college radio friendly band that is easy to love. "Suzanne's Good Eye" is a beautiful rock ballad, an offbeat celebration of karma with its mantra: Down the road/You get what you deserve And with its slow descending chorus rolling under throaty harmonies, it's ugly-beautiful in a dreamy, clichéd American kind of way. "Bob Dylan Said" starts like an ambient version of "Gimme Shelter" before emerging as an oblique love song with the faintest traces of New Wave in its stabbing guitars and darker sounding chorus while "Shine" returns to the grunge-lite feel, although the drums sound programmed and are almost drum n bass. The album isn't as eclectic as this review may at first suggest – the jangle of guitars and Ostrander's gravelly whine provide the framework within which the band perform, and while there's not a lot that's new here, there is still a lot that's catchy, uplifting and just downright lovable. With nine tracks, it's a short album but there are no fillers: every track has a chorus worthy of prime time radio and as a whole it's a winning combination of driving simplicity and smart lyrics. "Flawed" is an understated triumph.
UmbrellaZine reviews Viv's sophmore release: Flawed
author: UmbrellaZineFLAWED, the second album release by this up and coming indie band, ISN'T. What it is: Strong poetic/prophetic lyrics, great vocals and hooky tunes. This April 2004 CD release shows ViV has the stuff it takes to move forward. Matt Ostrander is a gifted writer, and the the music is catchy, albeit a bit repetitious, in the style of today's new bands. But hey, then again, recent Springsteen is repetitious in the lyrics, melody, and technique ... we like VIV's album FLAWED release far more than Bruce's recent efforts. ViV IS Fresh, Growing, Inventive - we think this band shows the potential for getting noticed. FLAWED presents ViV melodically, with a bit of edge showing, and that's a good thing (sorry Martha). It's got insightful lyrics, clever hooks, and yes, even some gems of musicianship on this album. Check out the track Green - from the haunting intro to the interjections of lead guitar - clear punctuation in a swirl of sound. ViV has a lot to say about being in the now ... experiencing reality, feelings, and the world. Shine is clearly the leading track, but the lyrics from Suffer (I feel like a square pig in a round, round mud ... I saw the face of God on a homeless man, He said your eyes are so blind but your soul still sees, And 3am has wide eyes) are as hardhitting as any of the new word-music/rap/spoken standup poetry that's out in the coffeehouses and clubs from Cambridge to LA. This album is catchy (a bit pop) with enough edge and intelligence to get your ear. FLAWED is not flawed, nor is it lacking ... it's strong. Feels like this band has much more experimentation to conduct, and more complex music will emerge in the next and next and next releases. Jesta recommends you give a listen and then some to ViV's CD FLAWED. You might just think you're back on the East Coast in a Long Island or Cambridge club.