Nico Vega 10.29.09 | Velvet Jones | Santa Barbara, CA
review by Chad Elder photos by Cara Robbins A Nico Vega show is a visceral experience, touching as much on the senses as that little piece deep inside all of us. It is this same piece that produces butterflies when we fall in love and is responsible for those tingles that run down your spine. Nico Vega is love. Unfortunately, not enough people in Santa Barbara know this fact, as evidenced by the extra space at Velvet Jones this night. I recognize many faces in the crowd from previous Nico Vega shows, from San Luis Obispo to Los Angeles, and I know the energy will be high, even with a less than stellar turnout. Nico Vega’s sound is on the fringe, alternating between a grungy experimental and a more user-friendly rock, led by the spectacular vocals of front-woman Aja Volkman. The sound is not an easy pickup for Modern Rock Radio, though a case should be made. Phat Jay from the local rock station KJEE assures me that he and other DJs are lobbying to get Nico Vega on the air, which will guarantee the band that their future Santa Barbara shows do not go unnoticed.
From the first chords of "Protest" to the final blast of "Beast," Nico Vega gave everything that has come to be expected of their live show; raw unadulterated energy. Aja remains mysterious and unpredictable no matter how many times I see them, taking the crowd from the highest highs to the lowest lows, crawling and thrashing on the stage or floating ethereally above. She commands attention and the crowd readily submits. She leads the audience through a set of favorites including "Burn Burn," and provides a special treat with the rarely performed "A Cappela Coal Miner’s Song," to the delight of all in attendance.
Rich and Dan may sometimes take a backseat to the enigmatic Aja, but their contributions shine throughout the night. Rich fills the role of lead, rhythm, and bass guitar simultaneously without losing any character, or sound. What he accomplishes alone can be lost on three individual performers, and this sound drives Nico Vega. Dan drums with such force and passion that he is lifted from his seat, especially during the explosive finale of "Beast." The three members belong together, as can be witnessed in their sound as well as their performance. There are no dull moments as each song leads seamlessly to the next and ends in another amazing night. This show lacks some of the intimacy and explosiveness of past performances, though I blame this on the crowd and situation more than I am condemning Nico Vega. They played their hearts out, as they always do, and Santa Barbara will grow to love them.
Check out the full set of photos from the Nico Vega show.