Ventriloquest Ectoplasmold Xanaxax are a synthpop performance happening who create a textural backdrop to a world they create from scratch. Reigning from Oakland, California V.E.X. are fronted by Roxy Monoxide on vocals, guitar, Farfisa keyboard, drum machine, FX and Lulu Gamma Ray on vocals, Kurzweil keyboard, analog synth and sampler. They breath life into songs like the hypnotic and enchanting Satan's Sister's Dance and the watery, undulating HighWay, LowRoad which contains some of my favorite guitar riffs I've heard in awhile.
As an old Xmal Deutchland fan, I still have a soft spot in my heart for synth laden textures sprinkled with crunchy guitar leads with a dark cloud hanging overhead. In Telepathic Radio, the snap and unemotional resonance of their drum machine snuggles perfectly next to the warmer pitch of their Farfisa. Hauntingly crafted with wit and premonition, V.E.X. hint at an apocalyptic world which they stitch together with found objects and memories.
I was fortunate enough to catch up with V.E.X. when they were recently on tour in Southern California in November when they performed at the lovely 5 Star Bar. The following photographic essay was shot in the outdoor arena of downtown Los Angeles. Although the surrounding neighborhood was filled with cement and office buildings, V.E.X. beautifully contrasted with their rather average environs. What was just another parking lot by day, became a stage and urban backdrop by night.
I'm please to present this visual vestibule of Ventriloquest Ectoplasmold Xanaxax.
Julie Pavlowski Green
December 13, 2014
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