FLASH: TRAVELER – MISS VELVET

2 years ago

Miss Velvet gets us in her suitcase with Traveler. This record gets most of its inspiration from classic rock and yet can get pretty modern too. Review.

TRAVELER – MISS VELVET

Released last November, Miss Velvet’s record Traverler is a revelation to me: it’s the perfect wild roadtrip soundtrack. The Californian band summons the greatest of deserts for a reason. But be aware, if Miss Velvet has an old school style, heavy in rock’n’roll, the band knows how to push it further. From the first track, Mother, everything is pretty epic. An intriguing introduction slides to catchy riffs, the vocals have peculiar and unmissable textures and the orchestral strings are elevating the whole thing. That’s quite a high standard set from the get-go.

It never becomes an issue though, as the American’s old-school rock is passionate enough to turn into an obsession. And some tracks are vintage enough to believe in time travel, like High Like An Aeroplane, Feel Good, Lovin In The Afternoon, and the pretty metal Zumirez. Long Way Home gets piano and orchestra back into play, contrasting beautifully with the impressive echoes of Miss Velvet’s vocals. Of course, there are some ballads too, like the folk and tender Traveler.

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They carry on with the explosive Gritty City too. The thing here is that it’s the point of view that stirs things up. Sure, the band’s origins and inspirations can’t be doubted, especially with their recent cover of the legendary classic Dream On. But it’s thanks to her femininity that Miss Velvet brings modernity into Traveler. If you need more proof, White Pony is a great example. But Born To Be Your Own Wild might actually be greater, full of softness, epic musical progression, and wise words from a mother to her child.