The band members are: singer/guitarist Tjeerd Bomhof, bass player Sven Woodside and drummer Joppe Molenaar.
Support from influential Dutch media outlet 3Voor12 and The Dutch Pop Institute led the band to a slot at Lowlands, the huge Dutch festival, and also netted Voicst their first appearance at the New Yorks CMJ Music Conference. For three consecutive years they have played the Noorderslag music conference in Holland and toured Benelux with the likes of Bettie Serveert, Nada Surf, and Tenacious D.
In 2003 the band released their first recording: the six-song EP "Eat The Evidence" - to critical acclaim. While in New York in the summer of 2004 the band hooked up with producer and Girls Against Boys alumni, Eli Janney (The Rapture, Secret Machines) to record their first full-length album; 11-11. The album was mixed by Victor Van Vugt (Athlete, PJ Harvey, Beth Orton, Nick Cave) and released in Europe on the bands own label DuurtLang Records (A Dutch word which aptly translates to takes a long time)
Airplay on MTV Europe, Dutch radio, and at key US radio outlets joins critical accolades for Whatever You Want From Life
3Voor12 recently named 11-11 Album of the Year, and Joppe was voted Drummer of the Year by his peers. Recently Voicst has been touring throughout Europe and North America, playing at festivals including Rock in Idro (Italy), Popkomm (Berlin), Benicassim (Spain), SXSW (Austin, TX) and supporting bands like The Bravery, The Posies and Millionaire.
The follow up of 11-11 is released on the 11th of January 2008 and is called, "A Tale of Two Devils". Some new songs such as, "Mixed Words", "High As An Amsterdam Tourist", "Everyday I Work On The Road" and "A Year And a Bit" have been made available for listening on the bands myspace , hyves and official Website.
Two Devils
Voicst Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They must come from a place near the brain and heart
Sometimes they bring me closer to the truth
But it's mostly when I don't ask for it
Words pop up like kisses do with alcohol
I sing them so soft, they hardly come across
Just listen back to some words from the past
Two devils, one on each shoulder
Two devils talk in my sleep
Two devils making certain
That I will never lose that need
Everyday I get more cynical
The thing I have to watch put stones around the heart
Especially since she just cleaned me up
The steps to better life are being made
Two devils, one on each shoulder
Two devils talk in my sleep
Two devils making certain
That I will never lose that need
Two devils, one on each shoulder
Two devils talk in my sleep
Two devils making certain
That I will never lose that need
That I will never lose that need
In Voicst's song "Two Devils," the singer reflects on his process of songwriting and the emotions that tie to it. He acknowledges that his songs come from a place near both the brain and the heart and that they often bring him closer to the truth. However, the truth isn't something he always seeks out, and sometimes it's the unexpected lyrics that end up holding the most power.
The imagery of "Two Devils" speaks to the duality of the singer's thoughts and emotions. The two devils sit on each shoulder, filling his head with ideas and guiding him in his sleep. They are making certain that he will never lose his need to create music. The devils could represent different parts of the singer's subconscious, both positive and negative, that push him to continue to write and explore his emotions.
The song also touches on the singer's struggle with cynicism, and how it is something he needs to watch out for, so as not to let it harden his heart. This struggle may be what inspires him to seek out the truth through his music.
In summary, "Two Devils" is a reflection on the relationship between creation, struggle, and the subconscious. The two devils represent the duality of the singer's thoughts and emotions, and how they inspire him to write and create.
Line by Line Meaning
I write songs for a record, yeah I do
I create music that will be recorded and shared with others
They must come from a place near the brain and heart
My songs are inspired by my thoughts and emotions
Sometimes they bring me closer to the truth
My songs can be a way for me to explore and understand my own feelings and experiences
But it's mostly when I don't ask for it
My best songs often come to me unexpectedly, without me consciously trying to write something meaningful
Words pop up like kisses do with alcohol
I find that my song lyrics come to me easily, almost like they are flowing out of me effortlessly
I sing them so soft, they hardly come across
I often sing my songs in a quiet and gentle way, which may make it hard for others to understand the full meaning behind the lyrics
Just listen back to some words from the past
By reflecting on my past songs and lyrics, I am sometimes surprised to find that they still resonate with me
So shocked to find them in a perfect place
I am sometimes surprised to discover that my past songs have gained new meaning or relevance over time
Two devils, one on each shoulder
I feel torn between two contradictory impulses or desires
Two devils talk in my sleep
These inner conflicts are never far from my mind, even when I am sleeping and dreaming
Two devils making certain
These inner conflicts are so strong that they feel like they are controlling me
That I will never lose that need
Despite these inner conflicts, I am driven to continue creating music and expressing myself through songwriting
Everyday I get more cynical
I am becoming more doubtful or distrustful of the world and people around me
The thing I have to watch put stones around the heart
My growing cynicism may cause me to become emotionally closed off and unable to connect with others
Especially since she just cleaned me up
I am particularly vulnerable to becoming emotionally closed off since someone recently helped me let down my defenses and open up
The steps to better life are being made
Despite my struggles and cynicism, I am taking steps towards personal growth and improvement
Contributed by Scarlett F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.