Blue Velvet
Four Songs
Phratry/ BC Records

Blue Velvet’s latest EP release Four Songs showcases the band’s new lineup. After a recent addition, the band is now comprised of two guitarists, two percussionists, a celloist, and a keyboardist. The New-York-City-based band has kept the same musical formula since their self –titled 2004 LP– no lyricist. The album begins with a drone of amplified, but not distorted guitar and a couple of drums. Cello comes in, giving a haunting sound, and keyboards add another thick wall. Each song starts out simple, layers are added, a mish-mashing of music making ensues. All live, with no editing equipment, loops or samples, the album has an edgy live quality. Since it’s only four tracks, let me walk you through each one. “Docile” is a simple start to the album, and sounds too much like the second track of the same name. “Blue Cannon”, the third track, and also my favorite, is the peak of the album. The track has a jazzy feel, with the climactic feel of a chase scene in an old 40’s gangster movie. “Untitled (Two)” is a track with dissident and uneasy keyboard smashing, an exciting way to end an album of rerecorded, previously released work. – Jonathan Mendick, Manenrist Zine

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Category: music   Tags: art