Something a bit different today.\u00a0 Van Canto is a German ‘hero metal’ band with a difference – their only musical instruments are their voices and a drumkit.\u00a0 They do all the guitar riffs and other accompaniment with their voices.\u00a0 And they are bloody good at it.<\/p>\n
[youtube http:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=kJ0n-1FmFiw&hl=en_US&version=3&rel=0]I actually don’t care for heavy metal, even when it comes with epic fantasy lyrics and music videos (though I’ll admit that epic fantasy lyrics and music videos never hurt), but there’s just something about hearing human voices doing all those amazing rhythmic things – not to mention a remarkably convincing instrumental break – that appeals to me enormously.\u00a0 And really, the musicianship required for this is pretty spectacular.\u00a0 I wouldn’t know where to start making those noises with my voice.<\/p>\n
Also, of course, there’s just something about watching all these big, tattooed guys trying to look tough while singing ‘riddly-diddly’ that is intrinsically hilarious.<\/p>\n
Another point of interest is the comments their videos attract.\u00a0 One of them begins with the sad remark “There is a lack of riddily-diddly in this vid.”\u00a0 (apparently, I’m not the only one who comes here for the riddly-diddly).\u00a0 Another has the response “So, guys. What do you do for a living? -Oh, well, you see… We just RANGDIGIDANGDIGIDANGDIGIDANG”.\u00a0 A third notes “I couldn’t remember the name of the band so I just searched ‘Riddly diddly’.\u00a0 And, to Andrew’s amusement, their cover of Metallica’s Battery gleaned a “LOL WTF” from James Hetfield.<\/p>\n