The Vincent Black Shadow have the moxie to awaken the retro heart and pump it full of new school blood. Their throwback 1940’s cabaret sound has been twisted and contorted forming a modern hybrid. Combining hook laden riffs, gain stained guitar, hypnotic rhythms, classical piano and unpredictable lyrics that take you on a disturbing journey to a world you clamor to revisit.
This Vancouver based quintet is comprised of Cassandra Ford (Vocals), the brothers’ Kirkham. Robbie (Guitar/Vocals), Chris (Bass/Vocals), Anthony (Drums) and Mary Ancheta (Keyboards). In 2000 Rob and Cassandra met while ordering the same obscure martini at a local hot spot this spawned the friendship that then turned into musical collaboration. Cassandra’s talents were called upon in the South Pacific when Universal Philippines invited her down for a record deal. With their discarding of music she and Rob had created she realized they were not interested in her talents, they just wanted to turn her into an Asian pop star. Cassandra quickly booked herself a ticket back to Vancouver where her and Rob reunited. The two started feverishly writing. Continuously expanding their project they called upon the other Kirkham brothers to join in their endeavor. The Kirkhams - Robbie, Chris, and Anthony's have been musically raised by their father, a trumpet player for The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra for nearly 40 years. It was dad’s fervent work ethic and broad basis of musical knowledge that nurtured the three’s talents and fed their quest for personal musicianship. Rounding out the equation is Mary Ancheta. When Mary Arrived on the scene she brought with her a very distinguished past filled with guest appearances on albums by Default and Bocephus King as well as award winning movie scores and featured music on network tv shows. With a band in tact, the five collaborated to create a new sound drawing influence from an eclectic variety, such as film soundtracks (Ennio Morricone, Angelo Badelamenti, Danny Elfman), Faith No More, No Doubt, Chris Isaak, Blondie, Danzig, Megadeth, Burt Bacharach, and classical music. The five piece took their name from a mysterious motorcycle in the Hunter S. Thompson novels. The bike was referred to as “The Vincent Black Shadow”. The name is the perfect match for the band. Cassandra is an artist first and foremost, her art can be found in their albums and music videos.
First playing live in 2003 they set out to take Vancouver by storm. Acquiring a cult following because of their no holds barred stage show.
TVBS’s recordings are just the soundtrack to their completely mesmerizing stage performance. Each individual presenting their own undeniable stories. Rob’s fiery passion and action packed guitar performance is intensified by his fancy foot work and zoot suit garb. Balanced by a rhythm section of brothers, bassist Chris lays down thick pocketed riffs with his bold, hold it down swagger, and driving sonic undertones. Leaving way for the popping and flying of sticks brought to you by the third Kirkham in the troupe, Anthony. His relentless breakdowns and crushing fills bring the percussive pop punk twinge that set TVBS in their own category. Mary’s body rocks the boards as she thrashes her long locks through the air while providing the eerie notes and mysterious tones on the keys creating a whirlwind of sounds for the others to dance around. It is this explosive high energy the acts as the complete spectral opposite when juxtaposed to Cassandra’s icy demeanor. The emotional intensity that is vacant from the contemptuous eyes of Miss Ford is malicious, murderous, yet addictive and captivating. She hypnotizes audiences with powerful glass shattering vocalizations of lyrics that twist and turn. It is the undisturbed vacancy and belting bravado that has crowds wondering what incredible angst lies within the black heart of this diminutive beauty.
The Vincent Black Shadow signed with Bodog Music in 2006 and promptly recorded their premier CD entitled Fear’s In The Water, this album is unapologetic, unyielding, and is one of the few truly original new alternatives to the world of music. Scheduled for release July 11, 2006. Put on your dancing shoes and get your Prozac prescription filled.
As of 2010, Nikki Hurst replaced Ford as lead vocalist when Ford expressed interest in taking a break to go to school. The new line up however remained the same and Ford decided to work on other musical projects minus the Kirkham brothers. Their latest creation, an EP entitled "The Finest Crime" will be released via iTunes on Valentine's Day 2011.
Valentine
The Vincent Black Shadow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I want to spike your milk with wine
I want to make the others cry
With your fading shadow
Promise you'll stay awake tonight
When I load the barrel
You!!
Owe me another night!!
If only
Another night
She canters backwards for miles
The Vincent Black Shadow's song Valentine is an interestingly dark and twisted love song that conveys the desire of the singer to be their lover's Valentine. The lyrics are somewhat ominous, starting from the very first line where the singer wants to spike their lover's milk with wine, which is usually associated with drugging someone. The next line reveals the singer's love for causing pain and sadness to others and how they hope to achieve that by being with their lover, whose "fading shadow" could be a metaphor for the sadness they will bring to others. The persona asks their lover to promise to stay awake as they load a barrel, which could be a reference to a gun, and in the context of the song, it seems to hint at violence of some sort. The refrain of "you owe me another night" and "a pony, a glass of wine" has a vampiric quality to it, as if the persona is sucking the life, time, and energy from their lover.
The lyrics of Valentine by The Vincent Black Shadow are unique and disturbing, but they also reveal the singer's intense passion and desire. Perhaps it's an ode to love that consumes, destroys, and possesses. It's a song that perfectly depicts the darker aspects of love and the human psyche. The lyrics hint at violence, manipulation, and obsession, making it a stand-out love song. The chorus of the song is catchy and memorable and it will stay with you long after the song has ended.
Line by Line Meaning
I want to be your valentine
I desire to be the person you select as your Valentine, indicating my emotional attachment to you.
I want to spike your milk with wine
I intend to add wine to your glass of milk, illustrating my eagerness to enhance your experience and make it more pleasurable.
I want to make the others cry
I aspire to make other people envious of our bond and weep with the realization that they cannot share the same level of intimacy.
With your fading shadow
I find comfort in the shadow you cast and long for it, even during the moments when you're not present.
Promise you'll stay awake tonight
I request that you assure me that you'll stay up all night, and enjoy my presence, highlighting the importance of our relationship.
When I load the barrel
I make a threatening statement, suggesting that I am willing to take drastic measures to preserve our bond and asking them to bear witness to my dedication.
You!!
I talk to the person directly, giving emphasis to my message and addressing them with a sense of intimacy.
Owe me another night!!
I remind the person of the time spent together and demand more of it, reflecting the deep feelings of attachment.
A pony, a glass of wine
I use this phrase to be humorous, suggesting that what I ask for is simple, down-to-earth, and achievable.
If only
I express my yearning and regret, wishing that circumstances were different, indicating my desire for more moments with them.
Another night
I request more time, with the person we've established a deep relationship with.
She canters backwards for miles
I use this figurative statement to stress the immense sadness I feel when we're apart, using it to illustrate the pain of separation.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Bobby Bare
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
martin nolan
I fell in love with this band when they toured with Kosheen. Such a rich independent sound. Hope you are all well
VacatedMinotaur
1)I wanna be your valentine I wanna spike your milk with wine I wanna make the others cry With your fading shadow I've gotta stick of dynamite Promise you'll stay awake tonight Promise you'll stay awake tonight When I load the barrel (Chours) You owe me another night! You owe me another night! You owe me another night! Yo owe me another night! 2)A pony, a glass of wine If only Another night She canters backwards for miles.
Aware
Geez I remember being a kid on msn messenger and having Vincent Valentine as my display pic and this song showing as what I was listening to. I really wanted someone to give a fuck but nobody did. My whole life had kinda just been wanting someone to pay attention to me but also wanting to be left alone it's weird.