Artist description MVC is fronted by singer/songwriter/musician, Michael Chaves, former guitar player for Duncan Sheik. Chaves has also done work for Iggy Pop, Marianne Faithfull, Lauren Christy, and Rufus Wainwright..

Music Style Quiet

Musical Influences Daniel Lanois, Peter Gabriel, U2, Aztec Camera

Similar Artists Daniel Lanois, U2

Artist History MVC formed in 1999 and released their debut CD called "The Finest Form of Flattery" on November 23rd, 1999.

Group Members Matthew Birmingham(drums), Adam Boyd (percussion), Michael Chaves (guitar, vocals), Darren McMahon(guitar), Tony Robinson(bass guitar)

Instruments drums, percussion, bass, guitar, strings, vocals

Albums Finest Form of Flattery

Press Reviews A recent import to the Valley from Southern California, where he still serves as lead guitarist for the band Fine, Michael Vincent Chaves formed MVC as an outlet for his songwriting. Nevertheless, what's most striking about MVC's debut is not the songs themselves, but how they're put together. Chaves, who has worked with Iggy Pop, Marianne Faithfull and Duncan Sheik, handles multiple instruments on the album, but the binding force is his versatile guitar work. The opening Biloxi Blues sets the tone with a slow-building, almost marchlike beat and shimmering guitar chords leaking warm feedback. Equally impressive is As It Turns to Wine, which softens the metallic crunch with melancholy strings and acoustic guitar. With all the brooding atmospherics, it would be hard to miss the influence of Daniel Lanois on this disc, even without the short instrumental titled a la nois. The album is less successful when Chaves pursues a more straightforward pop sound, as on the peppy Love Is All... or the retro-weepy Changes & Tears. But even in its weaker moments, The Finest Form of Flattery displays impressive musicianship and confident, textured arrangements. Chaves isn't as versatile a singer as instrumentalist, but there's a warmth and sincerity in his spare voice that fit perfectly with his smoldering music.-Kerry Lengel/The Arizona Republic

Location Phoenix, Arizona - USA

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