After all that wonderful noise from Wyldlife, it is nice to go off in a completely different that is equally rewarding. The Velvoids are from Athens, that's Greece, not America and at their heart, they are the multi instrumentalists Vice Lesley and Dorah X.
They do take their time with releases, largely because of other things that they are involved with. They've even worked with our beloved Richard Lloyd in the past. Jersey Cotton was recorded over a four year period, initially in Lockdown.
Initially, lumped in with both Shoegaze and Art Rock, this is neither. It is Psychedelic in feel, whilst also treading into Folk and the more Pastoral. Songs are beautifully arranged soundscapes, sung wistfully mainly by either, both are equally engaging, neither are gonna shout.
They are left field, but not in a wanky unfocussed way. Indeed, Lake Of Eyelids is a wonderful Joint Vocal that heads into Baroque Pop. Melancholic and intriguing, it is an essential listening and it is always nice to hear the continued comeback of whistling in songs. Just wait for the Fripp like Guitar run.
The album is very experimental, as most things Velvoids are, but it is totally engaging. Lying On A Terrace, sung by X, is all moody, almost desert riff with a delightful Twang. I Wore My Torn Suit when edges towards Pop and breaks out into a great meandering psychedelic riff.
Because I Love Her is moody and magnificent, more Alt Rock at times and is close to the best thing here, very Psych, but with another wonderful Joint Vocal. I know people like to think that I am all about crashing chords, but this is just as great and certainly rewarding as there isn't much around like it. A cracking listen.
You can listen to and buy the album here. It is available on Vinyl and as a download.
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