Vietnam

by Heather PharesBrooklyn's darkly hypnotic rock outfit Vietnam is the brainchild of vocalist/guitarist Michael Gerner and guitarist Josh Grubb. Upon discovering that both were inspired by Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones, the Velvet Underground, and Sonic Youth, the pair began writing and playing songs together, eventually expanding into a full band that included drummer Michael Foss. Vietnam signed to Vice Records, who released their debut EP, The Concrete's Always Grayer on the Other Side of the Street, in 2004. After playing some shows with All Night Radio, a project of former Beachwood Sparks guitarist Dave Scher, Vietnam began collaborating with Scher and Maroon 5's Mickey Madden, who signed on as executive producer of the band's full-length album. Madden, along with co-producers Scher and Jason Lader, recorded Vietnam at Los Angeles' Sound City Studios with vintage analog equipment. Jenny Lewis, Paz Lenchantin, and Future Pigeon's horn section also contributed to the sessions. The digitally released single Welcome to My Room arrived in fall 2006, while Vietnam's self-titled debut album was released by Kemado Records early in 2007.