Artist description Deep current, atmospheric, independent, underground music with heavily layered melody and haunting, moody lyrics.

Music Style Deep Current, Atmospheric, Underground, Indie, Shoegazer

Musical Influences Sonic Youth, Dead Can Dance, Joy Division, Jesus Lizard, Cocteau Twins, Come, My Bloody Valentine,,

Similar Artists My Bloody Valentine, Ride, Slowdive, Chapterhouse, Starflyer59

Artist History Iridescent Vein was founded in late 1997 in Athens, Georgia by Brian Macbeth. In January of 2000, he released a collection of music which contains 16 original songs. Unlike your average singer/songwriter, Macbeth does not limit himself to only one instrument, but instead enjoys writing and recording with multiple instruments. On Appalachia, he handles all vocals, guitars, bass, keyboards, and violin. He also wrote all the music and lyrics to 15 of the 16 songs on Appalachia. The album was written, performed, engineered, mixed, and mastered by Brian in his own studio. Appalachia was released by him on his independent label, Ravenmocker Records. The unique, colorful album graphics, also created by Macbeth, have attracted as much interest and praise as the music, making Appalachia a visual as well as a musical work of art. For Appalachia, Brian recruited a drummer who co-wrote one instrumental with Macbeth and was replaced in November 2000. Brian is currently writing and recording a second album which he plans to release in the near future. The second album will contain a continuation of his signature layered, melodic sound and innovation in rhythms and arrangement. He is also looking forward to working with a new member for the next project.

Group Members Brian Macbeth

Instruments vocals, electric guitar, 12-string guitar, keyboards, bass, violin, drums

Albums Appalachia

Press Reviews OURATHENS.COM the first thing that strikes you about [Iridescent Vein's] debut full length cd, "appalachia," is the packaging. most packaging these days is proffessional - this, however, is simply gorgeous, and would, i imagine, convince any waverer uncertain of parting with the money to take the plunge once that wise purchase has been made, the listener is taken on a musical journey, at times dark and lonely, but always pregnant withmystery. the first two tracks, "ravenmocker" and "alpha male alpha female," are reminiscent of creation bands my bllody valentine and house of love, with great vocal melodies and chiming, yet subtle, guitar riffs lurking under the surface the album remains in the same vein (no pun intended...) until the upbeat "nocturna" heralds in a succession of melancholy instrumental numbers - leaving you with the impression that you have been abandoned to continue the journey alone. there follow moments of introspection, desolation and even fear as the solitude continues. nature starts to encroach as the night draws in then relief and renewed calm as if dawn is breaking and the spirits are being dispelled, the album ending with the more optimistic "corsair" iridescent vein is currently polishing its live set, and, if the album is any indication, it should be good! David Fletcher, March 15, 2000 LISTEN.COM Gentle guitar susurrus rock you into a trance as breathy vocals quietly cast sweet dream spells in your ears. Iridescent Vein's psychedelic cound may cause some people to see brightly colored comet tails chasing notes through the air and melting pocket watches and such. Chad D, June 20, 2000 FLAGPOLE MAGAZINE This record could have come out of London or New York, but Athens? Iridescent Vein is onto something with this. They float in a dark, spiraling space conjuring images of Bauhaus, Syd Barrett, and Brian Eno. As I listened to this dense collage of sound, a storm rolled in over my humble abode. I'm not speaking metaphorically here, I mean a Georgia summer thundershower. During "Ultraviolet Life," a bold from the sky slashed down and knocked out power during the "lightning drive-electric despair" section of the song. This was too perfect. After my sTereo came back to life, I was escorted into a foggy nether region by Macbeth's down-the-well vocals. Graves, veins, blood, snakes, stars, trees, sex and death flooded my consciousness. "Hemlock" ushered me to a dazed state reminiscent of an incense filled college dorm which then mutated into a tomb. The trippiest area was called "Appalachia." The long, minimalist soundscape reminded me of Arcadia and Prince, but its anesthetic quality kept me aloft like mid-'70s German ambiance. The muddy mix and wonderfully decadent artwork is the perfect complement to the material. Somewhere near the end of "Sleeping Sickness," the storm outside blew away. As this record ended, I could still hear it off in the distance. Chris McKay, July 11, 2000 CDBABY.COM A very good start from this band in Athens, Georgia very much in the spirit of the first two My Bloody Valentine releases. The production value of the cd really makes the cd shine, specifically by how much sound is generated in the mix. I bought it and have turned a few friends on to it. It's hard not to listen to this cd less than twice in a nighttime of listening. The sounds take you to other worlds within worlds. Its a great start for a band that has alot more to offer than this initial recording Charles S. Names, April 15, 2000

Location Athens, GA - USA

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