V10 – “Falling”
V10 is a new project by Virgin Skulls singer Marco better known as VK. Marco has worked successfully as a model, dancer, singer, composer, and actor. Has strutted the runway for Tommy Hilfinger and John Bartlett, danced for La Bouche, Planet Soul and Sonique, and has appeared in video clip roles for artists such as Ashanti, George Michael, Enrique Iglesias, Jennifer Lopez, Destiny’s Child, and Beyoncé. Musically he has brushed collaborative shoulders with EDM giant Armand Van Helden, Melanie Thornton of La Bouche, and producer Steve Morales (Enrique Iglesias, Christina Aguilera and Ricky Martin).
He’s also been courted by industry heavyweights such as Emilio Estefan, L.A. Reid, and Jimmy Iovine. In addition, Marco has the distinction of having shared the stage with megastars like James Brown at the 850th anniversary of Moscow in the Kremlin, and Aerosmith at the MTV VMA’s in NYC’s famed Radio City Music Hall.
The V10 project has recently released its 4 track EP entitled “Falling”, via the SkullandHeadphones Label INSANE PRODUCTIONZ. You’d think that VK would choose to do something radically different in his side project, given his independence-streak, but that’s not the case here.
And we’re all the better for it, considering how wonderful Virgin Skulls’ music is to start off with. The songs are profoundly thoughtful and evoke a range of emotions through deep resonant vocals and a nice balance between synths and the usual electronic technology. Solo projects like this, have the opportunity to bring an entirely new experience to their most devoted fans.
In “Falling”, something tells me that VK is making that happen here. He brings a powerful, soulful, robust and mystical quality that many contemporary male vocalists do not possess, as he cries out: “And when I cry out to you / Don’t you hear me calling / Can’t you see I’m falling / Or do you not care anymore…”
VK’s voice has leapt up another notch. This is a recording of feeling and passion and undoubted class. It has a driving beat to it that impresses, and the added electro harmonics gives the track a much appreciated cyber twist with a dystopian edge. It showcases VK in his natural, raw emotronic environment, proving he can please with immense spectacle and energy.
The banging production sound which rises to near meteoric proportions is perfect for VK’s voice, so if you’re prepared for an intensely atmospheric track then you’re in for a treat.
“Falling” skillfully avoids the temptation to further embellish itself with superfluous instrumentation, thus remaining an almost heart stopping piece of music, powered by drums, bass and synth. The song benefits from superior songwriting and a natural performance chemistry.
“Falling” certainly presents a fully grown and matured VK, musically, lyrically, and vocally. I believe that this recording, if nothing else, is a great foundation for future songs, regardless if it is with Virgin Skulls or solo. This is an overall impressive solo release; it doesn’t stray too far from his Virgin Skulls roots and yet it manages to present VK in a fresh new light.
