Despite the similarity in name to the British band The Verve, there is no relation between the two. |Current lineup (2008–present) * Brian Vander Ark – lead vocals, guitars| * Donny Brown – drums, background vocals| * Doug Corella – keyboards, percussion| * AJ Dunning – guitars, background vocals| * John Connors – bass, background vocals| * Joel Ferguson – bass, background vocals| * Lou Musa - guitars, background vocals |In 1992, working with producer/engineer Jon Frazer, they released their first album, I’ve Suffered a Head Injury, which featured an acoustic version of the band’s calling-card hit, “The Freshmen.” The original 10-song version of the CD is no longer available. A 7-song version, without the original recording of “The Freshmen” and two songs written by Stout, was later released as an EP. The band, known for its energetic live performances, built strong followings during its early years, especially in the college towns of Kalamazoo and East Lansing. In the fall of 1993, the band released a second album, Pop Smear again working with Frazer that helped them gain a devoted following in their native state of Michigan and their eventual signing with RCA Records in 1995. A.J. Dunning replaced Stout on guitar for the recording of Pop Smear and remained in the band for their three RCA records. This album featured the popular tracks “Spoonful of Sugar” and “Victoria” among others. Their first major label release was 1996’s Villains, which was a minor hit and launched two respectably selling singles, first “Photograph” then the No. 1 hit “The Freshmen”. They came back with a new album, The Verve Pipe, in 1999, a critical success[citation needed] on the strength of such tracks as Supergig, Generations and She Has Faces. The album, however, failed to contain the commercial appeal of its predecessor. The band’s most recent full-length release is 2001’s Underneath. The song “Colorful”, from Underneath, was featured on the soundtrack of Rock Star. Since the release of their last album, lead singer Brian Vander Ark has released three solo albums: 2003’s Resurrection, 2006’s Angel, Put Your Face On, and 2008’s self-titled release. On September 15, 2009, Brian Vander Ark announced on his Web site that the band will be releasing a new album called “A Family Album” in October, 2009. The band had been approached to contribute a song for an album called “Calling All Kids” which led to them creating an “entire album of family friendly songs”. It was also noted in the announcement that a new album of rock material would follow the family album.”A Family Album” may be listened to in its entirety and/or ordered from their website. |
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