The Reader - www.thereader.com




"All in a Name" by Wayne Brekke


The word Vago has many meanings. It could be taken as an insult in some countries, while others might appreciate the compliment. Which is exactly why the band of the same name chose its moniker. Mischief-maker, mysterious, rambling, beautiful and vague all can be derived as the meaning, but for Lee Gambrel and brothers Tom and Daniel Burns, the multi-lingual twist of the name Vago is the perfect way to describe the unique personalities of the band and its music.

The Omaha band is set to release Over Moons and Heavy Arms, an 11-song, full-length album that offers a complex array of musical flavors. Somewhat of a departure from the band's 2004 release The Mariachi EP, the new album is more of a collaborative band effort.

"It's a complete a group effort, way more of a record than our last one," said singer/songwriter Daniel Burns. "We put a lot more thought into what songs sound good together and what songs make sense on a record. We actually tracked everything on a home version first so we could make sure of what we wanted."

The effort paid off in a solid, straightforward rock 'n' roll record that offers a dynamic structure from beginning to end. The rock edge of songs such as "American Joe" and "Benjamin" are tempered by slower, mid-tempo tunes like the lavish "Moonbee" or the wandering balladeer appeal of "Singer." Along with the band's formula of solid Americana-esque songwriting and Midwestern twang appeal, the songs create an album that exemplifies the style the band has built its name upon in its three-year-plus history.

"The kind of overall concept of the record is about how Omaha has changed over the years," Burns said. "Having spent years growing up and playing here, there was a time when I used to hate Omaha, but I've learned to get over that and enjoy what it has to offer."

The band will pick up promotion on Over Moons and Heavy Arms where Mariachi left off, having had songs played off the previous EP on more than 200 college radio stations across the country.

"We have a college radio promotional person that is helping us promote the record and that will dictate where we go as far as touring," Burns said.

Rounding out the events of the Waiting Room Lounge release party will be singer/songwriter Korey Anderson, who also appears on the new record, as well as a few special guests.

"We want to make it more of an event than a regular show," Burns said. "We're going to have some people sitting in, some planned, and of course, some not planned. Either way it's going to be pretty cool." ,

Vago hosts its CD-release party at the Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St., Saturday, June 16 along with Korey Anderson, 10 O'Clock Scholars and Sleep Said the Monster. Tickets for the 18+, 9 p.m. show are $5. Visit vagomusic.com. /p>