VELVET DAYDREAM
Velvet Daydream is an up-and-coming band based out of Denver, CO. As a rather young band the quartet--Nick Schwartz (drums/piano/vocals), Jude Pfanstiel (bass/vocals), Ryder King (guitar/vocals). and Kaeden Keys (guitar/vocals)-- have sparked the music scene with their first album! Other than its very cool release date, Friday the 13th, this album also has a very transcendent way of blasting you back to the 70's.
What began as a simple friendship of playing and writing songs together soon took a turn into what we now see as the psychedelic-rock band! Influenced by artists such as Fleetwood Mac, The Beatles, Aerosmith, and more, they eventually started compiling songs to create this debut piece.
I have the honor of reviewing this album and to put it shortly, i was blown away. There are songs that are very upbeat and vibey, as well as more chill songs that have a calmer feel.
With tracks like "Casino", "Devil Woman" or "She", feelings arise of excitement, energy and just an overall feeling of happiness. With the groovy melodies, heavy guitar licks and rock vibes, the listener can be left with good impressions for this album. While all being upbeat, though, they each have their own unique flare. "Casino" has a heavier bass line and is very reminiscent of Aerosmith with the vocal style. "Devil Woman" leaves a grittier style with the heavy guitar riffs and a well rounded hard rock sound. While "She" has the softer end of things with more of flow in melody, heavier percussion and sounds like it should be played with the windows rolled down.
On the other hand, this album has its softer side to it. Three tracks stick out to me. "Flow", "No Eyes" and "Greed" all fit into this category for me. Out of the three, Flow is the most interesting to me, as it is a totally instrumental track. I think including this was so smart, as it helps the listener to focus on the things that usually get pushed aside--the ability to truly hear the heavy percussion and keys, and how they make you feel. "No Eyes" was the leading single for this album and i most certainly can see why. It has a very Beatles-esque vibe with its' softer melody. There is a slight guitar solo thrown in there, but yet it does not compromise the softness of the song. Out of the three, also, "Greed" sends you on a journey the most. It begins with an angelic intro before slowly amping to a harder, more chaotic sound. It allows the process of going through different emotions all at once.
The last two songs, however, are ones I recommend listening to the most. They are also the longest songs on the album, both reaching almost 6.5 minutes.
"Purple Mountain Majesty" has the most instrumental complexity throwing in a few more aspects that we hadn't obviously heard in prior songs. While Velvet Daydream is a mostly rock band, this song I believe shows their best abilities both vocally and instrumentally.
"Monique" is the most psychedelic song of them all. It hits with a more folk-based vibe with its echo vocals and heavily based guitar solos. Again, I believe this is a song that shows just how well-rounded this band is.
This was a completely mind blowing review; being that I had never heard of Velvet Daydream before now. I can say confidently, though, that I will be continuing to keep up with their future endeavors, and I recommend you do the same! You won't be disappointed!
Check the band out here on their Instagram to keep up with new music and extra content!