Nico Vega

SPIN.com
November 12, 2007

Who? L.A. rockers Nico Vega is comprised of vivacious lead singer Aja Volkman, guitarist Rich Koeler and drummer Dan Epand. The trio's post-punk driven sound is compounded with Volkman's invigorating stage presence, for the raven-haired siren has already been compared to the likes of the Yeah Yeah Yeah's Karen O. Fresh off the road with the likes of the Shout Out Louds and Johnossi, Nico Vega's debut EP, No Child Left Behind is out now via the MySpace imprint.

What's the Deal? While Koeler and Epand make simple riffs sound big and bold sans bassist, Nico Vega's dichotomic sound of pure soul and hard rock is the perfect medium for Volkman's action inspiring lyrics. From the self-motivational anthem "Gravity" to bluesy vibes of "Medicine Man" and the slow burning "Wooden Dolls," No Child Left Behind (an ode to a certain failed Bush policy) speaks to love, loyalty, and honoring words with action … and all with the raw power of rock'n'roll.

Fun Fact: The band's moniker, Nico Vega, represents a modern day saint to the members. It was the name of a woman in Volkman's life who, before she passed away, inspired her to live in a more positive fashion.

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