Since 2006, Mark Charles Heidinger has fashioned a noteworthy form of folk with his DC based project, Vandaveer.
Vandaveer’s mesmerizing melodies cut down to the bone—speaking on an almost subliminal level. The group circles around playing venues of all sizes, from living room shows to festivals. Their song “Spite” weaves a pulsing rhythm with tense, striking lyrics.
The track begins with a haunting drum knock, growing more mysterious when singer/guitarist Heidinger comes in with his raspy vocals. Rose Guerin enters with her softer tone—providing the perfect cadence to balance out the harmonious duet. The lyrics adhere to a strict structure, creating a powerful aural pattern within the song.
Heidinger sings, “I’m gonna hold my breath to spite the air,” a quick-witted lyric repeated in both verses, serving as a lead for the rest of the lines to follow.
Although filmed in France, the video brims with Americana—dark storytelling with gothic influences. Two stories are twisted together, a baleful vignette of an unnamed man and a traditional video of Heidinger and Guerin, both clad in vintage style, performing the song. Both stories reach their respective peaks around the two-minute mark. The short video is certain to add some depth to your day—you can’t ask for much more.
