Issue date: 9/29/04 Section: Arts

Bloodthirsty Lovers are not vampires, but this independent pop band will get your blood flowing with their melodic beats.

The smooth, esoteric lyrics crafted collaboratively by Tennessee natives Dave Shouse and Steve Selvidge compliment the background instrumentals of New York natives Kevin McGinnis and Kevin March.

Shouse ignited Bloodthirsty Lovers in 2001 after spotting an old pulp fiction book in a thrift store out West.

"I had the name floating around for a long time and I thought it was about time to go under a guise of a band instead of just being referred to as 'Dave's band,'" said Shouse.

Bringing new meaning to the idea of a one-man band, Shouse shacked up in his attic and solely produced the band's first self-entitled album using a drum machine, a synthesizer, an amp, a guitar and a microphone.

"Making music is like knitting a scarf for someone because you want it to be accepted and cherished," said Shouse. "You do what you do and just hope it translates."

Fans will likely embrace Bloodthirsty Lovers this month as the tour sweeps through New England starting on Oct. 7 to promote their second full-length album, The Delicate Seam. Shows will be packed due to the newly adopted drummer Kevin March, formerly of the highly acclaimed independent rock band, Guided By Voices.

"Our songs are being improved because Kevin would screw up songs in practice, so we would alter it accordingly, which gives the songs new life," said Shouse.

Performing with A-list musicians is something that Bloodthirsty Lovers are known to enjoy.

They have impressively graced the stage with Guided By Voices, Modest Mouse and the Flaming Lips.

Interestingly enough, Shouse describes Bloodthirsty Lovers as a "micro-indie band," regardless of their interactions with highly renowned groups.

"It's tough because not a lot of people know about us right now," said Shouse. "There are a lot of bands and people have short term memories."

Continued...

Page 1 of 2 next >

Article Tools