Lord Velvet are a band originally from Denver, Colorado that plays heavy psych and stoner sounds. The debut album “Astral Lady” was released on September 01, 2023 and contains five tracks ranging from 4:48 to over 6:30 minutes in length. The opener “Lament of Io” slowly immerses us in the album’s sounds with enveloping arpeggios enriched by effects. As the instruments come in, the intensity increases, developing a sound that mixes Psychedelia and Heavy traits, in line with modern Stoner. The vocal parts are intense, with a warm and expressive vocal, following the tempo changes of the song, which passes from more Heavy moments to more delicate Psychedelic openings. A track that enhances the band’s compositional and performing technique. After the good start, “Snakebite Fever” continues to maintain a very high quality and intensity. Heavy and well-constructed guitar riffs, a monolithic rhythm section with solid drumming and deep, load-bearing bass lines, enhanced by tempo changes. The vocals are intense and incisive adding energy to a track that shows the band’s heavier Psych side. Fine guitar work and an overall impactful and very involving sound that shows the band’s different facets. The longest track on the album, “Night Terrors,” which is over 6:30 minutes long, opens with heavy guitar riffs and a granitic rhythm section. The band continues to explore the heavier sounds of modern Psychedelia with forays into Stoner, offering a fresh and modern track. The vocals offer another convincing and incisive performance, alternating perfectly with the intense and well constructed instrumental sections. In the second part the band offers a short but very intense instrumental section with a change, before returning the vocal with the last verses and closing. “From The Deep” shows a darker, darker side to the band’s sound, made up of heavy guitar riffs and a pachydermic rhythm section. The vocals are dynamic and as always very incisive, interpreting the track at its best with references to early Black Sabbath, brought into a modern and very personal context. Good guitar work in both riffs and solo inserts, solid and elaborate drumming and a killer bassline make up a powerful rhythm section. Another well constructed and developed track, engaging from start to finish. The album ends with “Black Beam of Gemini,” the shortest track in duration, still clocking in at over 4:40. A well-constructed blend of Stoner and Heavy Psych with modern and personal traits. Heavy and addictive guitar riffs intertwine with deep and distorted bass lines, solid and very energetic drumming. The vocals are as always very incisive and dynamic, fitting perfectly into the musical context of the song. An excellent closer for this intense and engaging tracklist. A good debut for this band that shows they have clear ideas and a fresh, modern and personal style. A winning blend of Stoner and Heavy Psychedelia in line with today’s releases in the genre. Well constructed guitar riffs, solid and elaborate rhythm sections and dynamic and very intense vocals. An album that at the end makes you want to listen to it again and again. A recommended listen for all lovers of the heavier sounds of rock between Psychedelia and Stoner, a good debut for this band that will surely be talked about in the future.
Tracklist
01. Lament of Io (05:52)
02. Snakebite Fever (05:25)
03. Night Terrors (06:31)
04. From The Deep (06:11)
05. Black Beam of Gemini (04:48)
Lineup
Taylor Webb / Vocals
Scoot Scott / Guitar
Matt Funk / Bass
Mike Barnes / Drums
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