The Horror Vacui (pronounced "vac-yoo-eee" when you’re requesting to hear their music on your local radio station) are celebrating their first decade as a band. Formed by Kyle Kelly and Ted Fox, the group that refers to their unit as a "four-piece endearing nightmare" began to take shape in 2002 when Fox, a Nashville native, met Kelly, the recent college transplant from Atlanta. But it wasn’t until last year that the band hit its stride as a burgeoning staple in the local rock scene.
The Horror Vacui initially recorded their self-titled, debut album as a four-piece at Villain Place, the recording studio owned and operated by members of the band, a member of Fireworks Over London, and their friend, Stephen D. Jones. But after the departure of their first two additional members, Kelly and Fox commissioned Rico Whitfield to play bass and Jonathan Parrish to sit behind the drum kit. To better represent their refurbished lineup and sound, they hand-selected five personal and fan favorites and re-recorded the songs for their EP, Scissor Crystal Eyes. "The EP is more a focus of what we’re representing now, reflective of the newer members. [The Horror Vacui] was a blank canvas; Ted and I painted it with an extremely creative vision, and with the second go-’round, we kept the creativity, but streamlined the process to convey what we represent live," said Kelly.
An accurate live representation of The Horror Vacui is essential to the list of things that make the band stand out in Nashville. Tracks like "Cold and Frightening" are built to create an explosive sonic experience, complete with a slow build to an auditory fireworks show of harmony and melody at around the four-minute mark. But it seems that wavering from the typical acoustic live show in what continues to be regarded as "the land of unplugged six-strings" does seem to allow a unique opportunity to connect with the continuously-loyal music community. "There is a strong rock showing here– bands and fans– and while it’s a town known for the acoustic/Americana/country, etc. genres, we feel that there are plenty of folks here who will support good music for good music’s sake."
In the vein of supporting "good music for the good music’s sake," you can make sure to find yourself at The End tomorrow night, where The Horror Vacui will share the stage with Fireworks Over London, Walking Man, and The Die Nasties. The show begins at 9 pm. – Brianne Turner