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Vir

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Hometown	San Francisco, CA
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Band Members	Sam Sloane: Vocals, Guitars,; Natasha Arens: Bass; Jeff... » more
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Upcoming Shows	None

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About the Artist

SF Post-Punk / Shoegaze trio by way of NZ.

debut album "Shadow of a Mountain" is out now and available on

ITUNES
RHAPSODY
PAYPLAY
as well as Cd Baby
Vir’s Shadow of a Mountain blends elements of post-punk and shoegaze to create a glacial, dark and...

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Achievements

October 2008 Noise Pop 2009

December 2007 Noise Pop 2008

August 2008 Judging Excellence

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Press Coverage

Sf Chronicle by SF Chronicle
SF Chronicle SF Chronicle Article on VIR... No one quite knows for sure what the letters VIR stand for in the name of this San Francisco shoegaze band. Well, maybe the band members do, but they're not saying. "The name VIR has been a source of speculation amongst our friends, so we decided to never give it up," says guitarist Sam Sloane, who came to the Bay Area from New Zealand. Initially Sloane, Natasha Arens and Jeff Paul were in a band called Montana, aiming for a "big, glacial, dynamic American landscape soundtrack ... thing." When they couldn't find that big sound, they opted instead for the vibrant, intriguing and rad tones of VIR. "I came over from New Zealand all green, wide-eyed and spouting English literature," says Sloane, who first bumped into drummer Paul in the Bay Area. "We used to hang out at an old movie theater and basically bonded over film before we bonded over drinking, reverb and space rock. VIR just finished recording its debut album, "Shadow of Mountain," and alleges that the musicians "are looking forward to the next full length, due on Columbia Records in 2021. Until then, there will be some local VIR shows, including Friday at the Uptown in Oakland. Lineup: Sam Sloane, guitar; Natasha Arens, bass; Jeff Paul, drums. 1. VIR's music should be filed between: Mogwai, the Chameleons and B.R.M.C. 2. The soundtrack to what movie would VIR's music best match? Days of Heaven," "Badlands" or "The Thin Red Line." Or anything by Wong Kar-Wai. 3. If VIR could collaborate on a song with any person, living or dead, who would that be? Mark Sandman. 4. If a junior high school asked VIR to play a cover song at the next talent show, what song would you choose and where? Transmission" by Joy Division at Hagley Community College, Christchurch, New Zealand. 5. What is the meaning of life? To question it, says Sloane. "However, I've been too busy with the whole living thing to give it much thought lately. If I need a life affirming sentiment, I'll listen to comedian Bill Hicks. Check them out: www.thevir.com; myspace.com/wearevir Next gig: 9 p.m. Fri. $8. 21+. With Murder of Lilies, the Paranoids. The Uptown, 1928 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. (510) 451-8100. www.uptownnightclub.com. - Delfin Vigil, bandwidth@sfchronicle.com

RadioIndy by RadioIndy
Shadow of a Mountain" by VIR is a dreamy and melodic shoegaze-style alternative rock album that features good songwriting and an innovative, experimental sound. The influence of early new wave punk is well represented in VIR?s sound, but they bring it to you in their own original way. These guys are pretty edgy and aren't afraid to take chances. There is an ever-present, grounding rawness to the sound, and the power-packed melodies will entertain your ears. The vocal performances are excellent, with a great vulnerable quality that lies underneath a strong voice. The lyrics are interesting as well, displaying a lingual sense while tugging at your emotions. ?Shadow of a Mountain? is very well-recorded and maintains a nice analog quality. Highlights include "Wake Up Son," with excellent layering of guitar sounds and cool effects. "The Kicker" features a great vocal performance, progressive rhythm, and nice melodies. "Montana" wraps things up nicely with an atonal prog ression and an overall broodiness. If you enjoy experimental, modern sounds combined with a new wave, shoegaze sound, ?Shadow of a Mountain? will be right up your alley. -William and the RadioIndy.com

East Bay Express by East Bay Express
EAST BAY EXPRESS Your Daily Lick: VIR Shadow of a Mountain (self-released) Finally, someone makes this shoegaze revival thing work. Oakland's VIR, formerly called Montana, lays U2-size vocals, melodies, and song structures over sinister, flatline backdrops à la Joy Division. The resulting tension, anchored by singer Sam Sloane's excellent guitar work, creates songs that don't stale. — Nate Seltenrich

Beautiful Noise Broascast by Beautiful Noise Broadcast
My personal reflections on the album is far more than post punk and shoegazer. This album hits almost every aspect of Shoegazer with its ethereal sensibility, hammering harshness, and blurry sounds. And to top it all off, its coated with a fantastic voice that soothes the heart and gives you goosebumps. Now these are the things that I look for in a band, and I'm glad that VIR satiates the craving. - Tennessee Loveless

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