Photo by Sam Yu The Vens band performed at the Blue Elephant recently for their CD release show. In the foreground is lead singer and guitarist Mikko Dumadag. In the background are drummer Moi Dumadag, and bassist Diane Bunch.

With a set between two other local bands -- Little Foot and the Lost Tourists -- The Vens performed under colorful lights, with male and female vocals balancing the act, along with their sometimes sweet, sometimes harsh melodies.

"We have three separate backgrounds," explained guitarist and lead vocalist Mikko Dumadag. "We tried to combine all three of them."

The Frederick -based band started as a trio of brothers -- Mikko, Moi and Rico Dumadag (from a family of six children) -- about 1 1/2 years ago.

After going through two bassists, Diane Bunch, 17, joined in February.

"It's less bother now than playing with two brothers," joked Moi, the drummer.

They rehearse in the Dumadag basement and have booked shows throughout the area, their next being a Battle of the Bands at Make N Music on North Market Street.

Diane, a singer-songwriter in her own right who plays acoustic guitar at the Tuesday open mic night at Frederick Coffee Company, shares vocals and songwriting with Mikko.

Her first time playing bass came during try-outs for The Vens.

"We were just jamming, and she got the songs like that," Mikko said, snapping his fingers.

Mikko, 21 and a student at Frederick Community College, brings his love for vocally-driven progressive rock, like the Fall of Troy, to the stage. Diane exudes her indie pop style with catchy, infectious melodies, inspired by groups such as Tegan and Sara, and Angus and Julia Stone. Moi, 18, who sharpens his skills through the Frederick High School marching band (he and Diane are both seniors there), likes punk rock and adds that bent to his performance.

The Vens released a short demo CD last year but then came out with "Stage Lights," their first official album, Oct. 16.

The CD, available at www.myspace.com/thevens6300, is a six-track run through intense, then fun and occasionally haunting lyrics and melodies, with Mikko and Diane sharing vocals.

Its title, "Stage Lights," is fairly self-explanatory.

"We're really obsessed with playing onstage and seeing the lights," Mikko said. "It makes me feel better, being up there."

In front of a jazzed audience, The Vens began their set, with friendly conversation between songs.

For a "slow and mellow song," Mikko asked the audience to hold up their glowing cell phones and sway to the music, which the crowd of about 60 did willingly. The lights filled the room, all the way to the back where kids were distributing zines and CDs, and meshed with the stage lights, as colorful and entertaining as The Vens themselves, who wove through various styles and emotions with the raw energy of youth.

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www.myspace.com/thevens6300

the_vens6300@yahoo.com