Verygently - Emily
Made by Drew Erwin, Joey Hendricks, and Tristan Bushman, the members of the band verygently joined forces in 2024, entangling their distinct backgrounds, styles and experiences to create a sound known as only theirs. Since then, they have been on tours alongside acts like Augustana and The Band Camino, catching audiences eye’s and ears with their performances.
When it comes to style, especially Bushman’s truthful and of-the heart storytelling, which resonates with their audience, Erwin’s soaring melodies that elevate the spirit and stir the heart, and Hendrick’s songwriting style- their dedication and passion to their craft has allowed them to make quite a name for themselves in the industry, garnering attention from fans and critics alike. With each show, they continue to build their reputation as a rising force in the indie-rock music scene.
Releasing their anticipated first EP titled Dumba$$ Mode, the project features tracks that tell us a lot of tales. Ranging from heartbreak to the passage of time, and the journey of moving on. Encapsulated in the notion that, while getting over it is crucial, it often feels like a BITTER PILL to swallow.
After time has passed since the EP's release, the band has returned to the studio to record again. For the moment, we are able to hear EMILY, released on February 28, 2025.
To introduce us to the track, we’re met with a crafted balance of the instruments, allowing listeners to appreciate each individual element exactly as it should be. The guitar, or guitars for that matter, is refreshing, bright, and beautifully melodic, weaving patterns that draw you in from the very beginning. The bass gives a groove to the track, providing a rhythmic touch that accompanies the ever so noticeable drum beat, which drives the song forward with gusto and precision.
To provide a deeper understanding of the narrative, we turn to the lyrics: “call your bluff, you chalk me up as your cliché heart broke burnout.” These words carry a weight of emotion and storytelling that sets the stage for the complications and differences of relationships, and how we must understand that going forward.
In this context, the character referred to as Emily appears to be telling tales about someone significant to her. Through the narratives, they seem to be attempting to mislead or manipulate others' perceptions of that person. The “bluffs” Emily presents are not only untrue; but they are deliberate lies designed to shape an image that aligns with their own desires or grievances. This suggests a deeper history between Emily and this person—a relationship ceased by betrayal or misunderstanding.
While the song plays through, a piano makes its presence known, creating a plentiful and stirring backdrop as we hear the members' voices repetitively mesh together in harmonious unison, chanting Emily ever so often, her name “just like the smoke, lingers,” as the lyrics of the song poetically say. With the sound of an audience clapping, the song fades, leaving us with its remanence.
verygently has truly knocked the ball out of the park with this release, and it seems to be soaring into a path to far and beyond. With this release, people are anticipating the rest of the tracks, which are promised soon on their instagram, @whoisverygently. There you’ll find announcements of merchandise, albums, EP’s and tour dates!