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norfolk — Separated by 71 minutes of psych-rock and a year of pandemic, the songs that bookend the Berries’ last album and their latest EP tell a story.
“Starry-Eyed” is the first track on the Virginia Beach band’s 2020 album, “Soliloquy Road.” Over a sprawling seven and a half minutes, the music takes the listener on a trippy journey from calm melodies through plucky, steadfast synths — think half “Stranger Things,” half “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” when Wonka takes his captives through a terrifying tunnel.
Ledbury wrote the song long before the pandemic, but COVID loomed over what should have been a big year for the band.
They’ll finally play songs from the album at Maker’s Craft Brewery on Saturday night. It’s their first show since before “Soliloquy Road” was rushed to streaming services.
This brings us to the other bookend, “In the Night,” which serves as the closer on the recently released EP, “Outgrowth.” The record — featuring Chesapeake singer Shormey — delicately details the feelings of coming out of the pandemic a year later.
“Haven’t been out in a while. Coming up with new ways to smile,” Ledbury languishes. “Can’t wait to see all my friends.”
The music was written long ago, Ledbury said, but the words were penned after COVID struck.
“Let’s go out in the night,” he sings through the chorus, his voice finding security in the safety that spring vaccinations have brought.
“Soliloquy Road” was initially scheduled to release last May with a big bash. But Ledbury and his bandmates — Daniel Gardner (lead guitar), Jessica Denniston (bass), Aaron Denny (keys) and Jacob Gardner (drums) — unleashed it two months earlier to take advantage of a population entertaining at home while quarantining.
“When COVID hit I just wanted to get it out there in the world,” Ledbury said, a tinge of frustration coloring his voice, “so we pushed it out there.”
The band had high hopes for the album and would’ve easily pulled in new fans had they been able to tour. The album’s 54 minutes are easily consumable and make a great listening companion.
“It was incredibly frustrating,” Denniston said. “We had all this ammo and it felt like we couldn’t do anything with it. We had this arsenal and couldn’t even use it.”
If the album’s songs are weapons, consider them a dozen fiery arrows.
Ledbury’s angst is palpable and the orchestration of swirling guitars and synths, punctuated percussion and propelling basslines keep momentum. The album’s throughline is spirited and soothing — something 2020 could’ve used more of. If you dig Turnover (another Virginia Beach band) or Tame Impala, this album is for you. So is “Outgrowth,” the EP that was released almost a year to the day after the album. Unable to take their album out for a real-world spin, Ledbury carved away at another handful of songs that make up the EP.
Denniston said the eight songs could’ve been on the album, but each needed more time to marinate.
“They were like the runts of the litter,” she said, “but they grew out of the band’s frustration and, at times, isolation during the pandemic.”
The added time proved fruitful. “Outgrowth” capitalizes on balancing anxieties with buoyant melodies.
Speaking over the phone before practicing for the show, the band’s members eagerly discussed the thrill of returning to the stage.
“I have so much anxiety about this show,” Denniston said, Ledbury and Daniel Gardner’s echoes of “yeah” cutting through the speakerphone. “The excitement and anticipation are overriding all of that, though. We’re ready to get back out there.”
Weekend Scoop
They all feel safe to come out, and Denniston hopes the mixed-style tickets — seating in pods or general admission — will allow others to come and celebrate with them.
“Every red light turns green, right?” he said. His bandmates answered swiftly with one word: “Amen.”
If you go
When: 7:15 to 11 p.m. Saturday
Where: Maker’s Craft Brewery, 735 E. 23rd St., Norfolk
Tickets: $15–$105
Details: lavapresents.com
Amy Poulter, 757-446-2705, amy.poulter@pilotonline.com