Velocets

Velocets are an alternative post-punk, Indie band from Manchester, whose impressive songs make them an exciting band to look out for. Comprised of Adam Walsh on vocals/guitar, Elliot Berriman on bass and Dominic Allen on drums, Velocets are testament to the fact that you don’t have to be a four-piece band to achieve such a vast and productive sound. Having recently released their debut EP “Sophie” in April 2012, Velocets have played at a number of small festivals during the summer of 2012 and  are quickly gaining more popularity in their home town of Manchester. What’s great about Velocets is not only are they a band of raw talent, they are also a band of cerebral lyrics which are delivered impeccably by the sleek and effortlessly cool Walsh. As a front-man, Walsh is a credit to the band as he shows a real talent of conveying the deepest emotions in a subtle and versatile way. He is also a dab-hand at playing those riffs whilst engaging with his audience in an understated, controlled showmanship. Likewise it’s also the skill of fellow band members Berriman and Allen that creates a dynamic presence, without any thrills or gimmicks, just good old-fashioned skill and talent.

Naked:

“Naked” is the bands most wistful and sublime song to date, whose melancholic vocals synchronise with the curling and reverberating riffs. It’s a song which denotes a more textured sound that resonates and incorporates a quasi-electro presence. With its ascending, faint, tinny strokes, “Naked” conveys an elusive, dream-pop ambience which is pierced by the New Order-esque sonic drums. It’s a song which is etched in sorrow and is lifted up by the jangly, baggy riffs and distracted by the fleeting influx of regimented drum beats. Lyrically “Naked” is Velocets’ most accomplished, mixing the raw sentiments with a coated, poetic glaze.  With lyrics such as:“We are natural, like a ray of light… like a desert road, where you are a mile high, well I know when to go, so you will pass me by…”, “Naked” gives us a glimpse of the rudimentary song writing talent of this band.  It’s a song which sets aside the Velecots’ post-punk label, benchmarking them a diverse and multi-faceted band.

Tell it to your kids:

Despite its post-punk origins, “Tell it to your kids” isn’t steeped in angst or political terrain, instead it is a refreshing, upbeat song which showcases Walsh’s pristine boyish vocals. Along with its catchy chorus , “Tell it to your kids” jolts and glides, whilst remaining meticulously packaged. With segments of early U2 and The Cure, “Tell it to your kids” maintains its individuality through its galloping drums that race against the scrapey and choppy riffs. It’s also a song whose angular drones glide against the brooding bass and spikier riffs likened to the contemporary garage-post punk revival of the early 2000s.

Sophie:

“Sophie” is a brilliant song, which drips in melancholy and broods in jittery rebellion. With its cagey, striking, rotating and staggered riffs “Sophie” wallows in a twisted darkness likened to The Pixies, which is intensified through Walsh’s obscured vocals. Lyrically, “Sophie” is equivocal, playing host to profound lines such as: “I feel, I feel so ugly, but I’ve seen people love me and I know that my time is coming…”,  “Sophie” percolates with an undertow of suspense that hallmarks it very much as an emotionally driven song. It’s also a song whose assault of crashing and metallic riffs catapults the song towards angst city. Along with its weighty bass, tightly gripped riffs and robust drums, “Sophie” has the makings of a timeless post-punk song, with a modern day make-over.  It’s a song, which goes back to basics, proving that you don’t need to have a multi-layered guitar presence to produce a gritty and fully-charged song.

About The World:

“About The World” sees Velocets adopt a more rocky vibe, which is characterised by the oscillating bass line and reverberating riffs that glide, falter and twist around the sombre vocals. Lyrically tinged with jaded sentiments, “About The World” sees Velocets’ low-key angst filtered through lines such as: “Well tell your tales about it, yeah you know all about it now…Tell  me all about your youth, like I haven’t had one too …”.  With its toned down beats and Wheeler-esque vocals, “About The World” is reminiscent of 90s band Ash, evoking a youthful cynicism and emotional intelligence that is neither self-indulgent or overly introspective.

You can catch Velocets at the following upcoming gigs:

25th Jan – Kraak Gallery, Manchester
8th Feb – Friars Court, Warrington
9th March – Ruby Lounge, Manchester

https://www.facebook.com/Velocets

 

 

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