New York blues rockers the Sean V Syndicat has released its second album titled Written In Your Scars. Formed in 2014 by guitarist and songwriter Sean Virag, this collection follows up the band’s acclaimed 2016 debut album Higher Calling in 2016.
The core band features Sean Virag (vocals/guitars), Johnnie Luca (bass), Dominic Nastasi (drums/percussion) and Mike Katzman (organ/Fender Rhodes) along with backing vocalists Natalie Grunnan, Derek Luce, Rorie Kelly and Katie Pearlman. The band says its songs “reflect the trials and tribulations of everyday life, discontent, social conspiracy and political malaise.” Recording took place at Vudu Studios in Port Jefferson, New York with mixing by Mike Watts and production and mastering by Frank Mitaritonna. The album has a stellar sound, with each instrument finding its own sweet spot without excessive reliance on compression.
The basic sound of a Sean V Syndicat song is built on Sean Virag’s earnest vocals, Mike Katzman’s keyboards and especially Virag’s soulful, resplendent guitar lines. This is immediately apparent in the opening track “Avalanche” which features confident lead and harmony vocals along with Stephen Stills-style lead guitar over a David Crosby-like composition. It’s a killer opening and bespeaks major songwriting chops and performance skills. “The Voice That Speaks Through Me” slows down a bit for an organ-drenched blues workout with the first harmony vocals featuring Natalie Grunnan, providing a touch of class and romanticism. Virag’s guitars again shine and sparkle throughout.
“On the Road with Jesse James” has a title and vibe that harkens back to acclaimed songwriter Warren Zevon. Guest Jeff Pearlman takes the organ part on this track, creating a mysterioso vibe along with Virag’s stunning, “Layla” like slide guitar work. Third track in, and already a show stopper! “Waiting for so Long” features tremolo guitar pared with the gorgeous pedal steel tones of Kevin Griffin, making this one of the more country-sounding tracks. Virag packs in the lead and backing vocals for a full-to-bursting wall of sound that even includes some whistling. A fun, rollicking track that builds power right up to the climax.
“Rising Up (To the Devils Creek)” rocks a bit harder than the previous songs (as befits a song with Devil in the title). This is a song you can imagine closing out a show without a single butt left in the seats. Virag again amazes with his guitar work, this time channeling the Bach-like constructions of Ritchie Blackmore or even Van Halen. “Behind the Silhouette” changes things up yet again with a big jazz-band feel not unlike Blood, Sweat & Tears, with another stunning vocal turn by Natalie Grunnan while Virag easily nails down the center. The guitar ventures leftward into shimmery Steve Howe territory.
“One Dimensional Man” takes us into an insinuating, somewhat paranoid dimension with imagery that evokes prisons, balls and chains and other hallmarks of a romantic relationship. “I don’t want to be a pawn in some master plan / Don’t want to be a one dimensional man.” Undeniably scary but cool as hell! “Lonely Inside” benefits from the trumpet of Frank Mitaritonna and the saxes of Don Torillo, making the backing track feel like a Frank Zappa orchestra with a snarky yet sympathetic rock song at its base. The title track “Written in Your Scars” brings the set home with all the hallmarks of the previous tracks: powerful vocals, Katman’s keyboards (these guys LOVE organ!) and Virag’s crunchy rock guitar. Structurally it’s a simpler song but the lyrics carry it across the finish line with power and intelligence, with some final wailing lead to make all the rest of us guitar players jealous.
Overall an amazing set of tunes, almost none of which are content to rest on any past laurels. Recommended highly!
