In an age of music where you have to wade through the absurdly redundant and the painfully generic to discover something that’s truly original, the gratifying feeling when you plug into an album that is both enjoyable and different makes the search worth it. That’s what you get with The Velvet Teen, an alternative rock trio from Sonoma County, Calif, and their brand new release All Is Illusory. A captivating flow of pop and rhythmic edginess makes for an interesting listening experience. At one point you’ll be excited and energetic and the next you’ll be relaxed and feeling mellow. The variety All Is Illusory shows is a testament to frontman Judah Nagler’s unique songwriting talents, and that’s what makes this album a gem.
There are moments of feedback and fading all over the album along with subtle catchiness and driving riffs. Each song stands on its own with very few similarities. It’s probably what makes me gravitate the most to The Velvet Teen’s new release. Not many albums are like that. Today’s music sometimes doesn’t take many risks, while Nagler and crew push every envelope imaginable and leave everything out on the floor. An unapologetic style has the trio making a distinct effort to stand apart and not blend with the trends.
We’re approaching the infamous dog days of summer, everyone. Humidity is everywhere, the sun is bearing down with scorching hot temperatures and if you’re fortunate enough to have it, air conditioning is your best friend. Anyway, stay inside and cool off with the top tracks off of my Album Of The Week.
With an emphatic introduction that borders on progressive math rock, “You Were The First” has a lot of fury coming from Casey Deitz on drums, the anchor for a rhythmic jewel. I do love the pianos on “Sonreo;” it gets the senses jumping with an epic tone that you’ll won’t be able to deny. A song that definitely has a lot of punk in its veins, “Eclipses” is a raging monster that breaks boundaries. There’s no let-up in intensity with everything blitzing at the speed of a freight train.
We New Englanders can catch The Velvet Teen on August 5 at Great Scott in Allston, Mass. If they’re as good live as they are on All Is Illusory, then it should be a time that no one should miss. While you’re there, grab a copy of the trio’s new album. You won’t be able to stop listening after one spin.
Stream “You Were The First” here: soundcloud.com/topshelfrecords/the-velvet-teen-you-were-the-first
The Velvet Teen’s Website: thevelvetteen.com