Van Der Neer

VAN DER NEER plays soul soaked rock music. This York based power trio, formed in 2015, comprises the talents of Simon Snaize (Vocal and Guitar), Stuart Fletcher [The Seahorses, Happy Mondays, St. Etienne](Bass) and Dave Hartley [Hijak Oscar](Drums). The songs effortlessly blend retro and contemporary rock influences into riffs that would make Jimmy Page blush, rhythms that could entice even Saint Vitus to dance and Beatlesque melodies that stay in your head for days. Imagine Dave Grohl on drums, James Jamieson on bass, Kim Thayil on guitar and Paul Rodgers on vocal, playing songs written by Cream for an audience that loves The Raconteurs and Black Keys. Stuart Fletcher, bass player and resident funk meister, is no stranger to success. He found fame in the mid-nineties alongside John Squire in The Seahorses, counting amongst his achievements: headlining the main stage at Glastonbury, a support slot with The Rolling Stones and working with producer Tony Visconti. Dave Hartley, drummer and bone rattler, also found the limelight when Hijak Oscar hit it big on Channel Four’s Mobile Act Unsigned, earning a rather interesting 'You're all scary, my God I love you', quote from floppy haired Blur bassist Alex James. That opportunity offered them exposure, which they were able to capitalise on and use to play to large crowds across the country. Simon Snaize has only flirted with fame, but he’s hoping for more than a one-night fling. He found success as a producer in Santa Fe, New Mexico, winning awards in the NMMA three years running as well as writing pop, jazz, country and even classical compositions for himself and others. The band’s potent mix of styles comes from Stu’s love of everything funky, Dave’s love of everything heavy and Simon’s love of everything Beatles. Their music combines all of the individual influences of the trio but within the music in an alchemical reaction that creates something that is far more than the sum of its parts. What comes out of that mix is what one reviewer termed ‘soul soaked rock music’. There is a definite tip of the hat to rock greats such as Cream and Zeppelin in the powerful riffs and drive of the songs, but within that run serpentine melodies more reminiscent of Soundgarden or Muse. It is retro without being dated, contemporary without being derivative, and it displays a musical competency that highlights something new in the music upon repeated listening. Once you get Van Der Neer in your ears you will definitely be back for more. VAN DER NEER are currently making their debut album ‘Quicksilver’ which is due for release late Spring 2017 followed by a tour in the summer. Simon Snaize Vocals, Electric Guitar Stu Fletcher Bass (The Seahorses, We Could Be Astronauts) Dave Hartley Drums (Hijak Oscar, We Could Be Astronauts).