Album: Play For Keeps
iTunes
Beatport
Velvet Glow is an instrumental post-rock duo, consisting of siblings Nicholas Sutton on drums, and Nathaniel Sutton on guitar..Post-rock can be described simply as using the instrumentation, and elements of rock music, but in a different way. For example, using guitars to create unique textures and tones not necessarily found in rock music. Velvet Glow takes influence from bands like Mogwai, This Will Destroy You, and Russian Circles. They have recently recorded a 3 song EP titled after one of their tracks, "Play For Keeps". Let's take a listen.
On the EP's initial track, we are greeted by the warm ringing out of effected guitar, that builds as drums and bass layer in. Shifting moods seamlessly and created an ominous, heavy feel. Rhythmically this song has a lot of character, and leads us to ponder the meaning behind the tracks title, "Spare No Witnesses". Next up, the playfully named "Who Gives a Shark", a steady snare, bass drum, and cymbal pattern pushes the song along, as lead guitar lines blend with crispy distorted guitar sounds, and what can only be described as a octaved synth like effect on one of the instruments. For a duo, Velvet Glow creates a huge dynamic sound. Closing out this EP, we have "Play For Keeps", the heaviest of the three songs, and most experimental. Drums beat slow and hard, as if the processional to the gates of hell. Eerie, alien-esque guitars ring out with vibrato, as things start to go off the rails in a good way, creating that deep cutting tension that you just can't stop listening to.
Overall, Velvet Glow has a great handle on their sonic space and sound. They use their instruments as paintbrushes of emotion and tone. They have the unique ability of making a two piece sound like a small rock n roll orchestra. Looking forward to hearing future releases from this dynamic duo, in the meantime, make sure to listen to "Play for Keeps" on iTunes, and follow the band on their social media pages.
