If you ask Voda to describe their sound, a typical response will be, “Joy Division covering Weezer songs.” Echoes of Manchester’s finest are evident in the rhythm section of Cory Cocomazzi and Matt Farrow, melodic bass lines in lockstep with relentless, precise drumming. Married to this are Andrew Pastor’s deadpan vocal delivery and churning rhythm guitar, both of which echo Paul Westerberg. Cutting through the mix are Jeff Racine’s icy, angular, lead lines. With defiant lyrics that belie the underlying pop arrangements–melodic, rough and ready,–Voda creates a propulsive, soaring sound that’s equal parts warmth and cold, comforting and unsettling all at once.

Voda’s only been on the Boston scene since 2007, but you wouldn’t know it to see them live. The group came out of the chute with their sound and brand fully-formed. They spent the next several months holding court with a series of gigs that were far more professional, polished, and confident than what could rightly be expected of any band in Voda’s position. More than one show has run straight into last call at the bar as Voda, bursting at the seams with material, proved willing to continue their fearless, hungry, high-energy performances into the wee hours.

Last year was a busy year for Voda. Between regular gigging at O’Brien’s Pub, The Midway Cafe, the All Asia, the Abbey Lounge, PA’s Lounge, and the Bar at the End of the World, the band kept themselves busy recording two EPs, writing a slew of new music, and building their own studio, Decent Rita, nestled in the leafy western suburbs of Boston.

In the summer of 2008, Voda released Fischer Random Chess. It features the hard-charging live favorites “Come On” and “Bobby Fischer” as well as slow-burner “Rule 21,” and “Cartoon Hero,” a well-crafted piece of radio-ready pop. These impeccably-crafted songs are ready for heavy rotation just about anywhere. Available on iTunes and Amazon.com, physical copies of the self-produced, self-released disc are always available at a Voda show, too.

2010 will feature more performances, and an ever-expanding live repertoire drawing on Voda’s deep catalogue of original music. A follow up to Fischer Random Chess is also in the works.

THE BAND

CORY COCOMAZZI: BASS GUITAR
MATT FARROW: DRUMS
ANDREW PASTOR: VOCALS, GUITAR
JEFF RACINE: GUITAR