Album Notes

Vangough combines the heavy guitar-driven rock of 90s progressive metal bands like Dream Theater with melodies inspired by early video game music such as Mega Man. Their vintage synthesizer sound hearkens back to Yes, Genesis and Styx, giving them a slightly classic rock feel while still retaining the newness of a contemporary band. If all of those bands fell into a blender, it would sound something like Vangough- Gilmour-esque guitar solos, silky smooth Gildenlow-vocals, soaring keyboard melodies and tight double-bass drumming reminiscent of Portnoy.

Originally formed around Clay's solo debut Dissonance Rising (2007), the band came into contact with each other through mutual friends. Clay first discovered drummer Brandon Lopez working in the Oklahoma City Guitar Center where the two immediately hit it off and agreed to start on a new project. Within a few months the entire line-up was formed, which now includes Abe Hartley on keys.

Their showcase performances at Dfest 2008 and Play: stl 2008 solidified the band as a unique combination of musical theater and classic prog rock. Mainly influenced by video game music and the odd European metal band, Vangough wears their influences on their sleeves when they perform. This tends to manifest itself in the form of video game cover tunes like Wily's Castle from Mega Man or Corneria from Star Fox.

The new album “Manikin Parade” was recorded and performed by Clay Withrow on guitars, bass, keyboards, and vocals with Brandon Lopez on drums. It was mixed by engineer Sterling Winfield who is most famous for his work on many Pantera albums, the Damage Plan album and Vinnie Paul's latest group Hell Yeah! Manikin Parade comes housed in a glossy limited edition 6-panel DIGIPAK with original artwork by Tyler Dunlap.