VERSUS was formed in 1990 by Richard Baluyut, Fontaine Toups and Robert Hale. Richard had been playing in a band called FLOWER for a few years, but that had run its course. Fontaine had recently moved to NYC from her hometown of Beaumont, TX. The band made an immediate splash on the NYC scene, and a buzz began to circulate. They first ventured outside of New York in the Fall of 1991 to play a festival in DC. After that they just kept going. Soon tours were booked with indie-rock heroes such as Superchunk, Tsunami, Unrest and others. Singles soon appeared on the Landspeed and Pop Narcotic labels. The shows were amazing, the songs were fresh and the sound was new. It wasn’t long before folks were talking about Versus from sea to shining sea. Over the years their status and legend within the underground rock community have continued to grow. Today they are one of our most loved and respected bands. Give up the mad props.

HURRAH is the 4th full length studio recording from VERSUS (to go along with a full length collection of EPS, compilation tracks, b-sides and singles). We dare say it is their most cohesive, most resounding work yet. HURRAH was recorded by the band, without outside interference, over the last year at their own studio space in NYC. The result is a stunning achievement, VERSUS’ most mature and fully realized album to date, showing a band at the top of their songwriting powers - confident, assured, relaxed and in complete control. The songs weave elaborate sonic dialogues as cascades of blissful noise mix with gentle waves of soothing melody, while always staying true to their infectious pop roots. The melodies are carried by the enchanting vocal harmonies and solos of Richard Baluyut and Fontaine Toups, and these are backed by the intricate, hook-laden musical flourishes that have become part of the band’s signature. Songs dealing with the dense jungles of sexual politics are VERSUS’ forte, and HURRAH does not disappoint on this front, with instant classics such as SAID TOO MUCH, YOU'LL BE SORRY, PLAY DEAD and SAYONARA. Deft and topical wit is on display on tracks such as MY ADIDAS and I LOVE THE WB, while FREDERICK'S OF HOLLYWOOD is a bombastic nod to the band’s influences ranging from Mission of Burma to Th’ Faith Healers to Sonic Youth.

VERSUS will be visiting a town near you soon. Their live shows are the stuff of legend, so avoid the crowds and get there early. And bring all your friends. You’ll be glad you did.