Greg Dona
04/09/06, 08:57 PM
The names of bands today often give little insight into the sound of the band itself. Whereas one might often glimpse into the broad genre a group fits snugly into by comparing a stereotypical name to those of that same genre, the words themselves usually say very little about the music. “Velella” is a brightly colored aquatic animal that floats on the sea’s surface. Equally bright and aquatic, though, are the sounds of Velella Velella on their latest release, Bay of Biscay.
Velella Velella’s music is the type that immediately invites you to draw comparisons to that of other musicians. Unfortunately, however, it proves exceedingly difficult to peg any truly accurate comparison on the group. More moderately electronic than Daft Punk, faster paced than Ratatat, and less hip hop oriented than Prefuse 73, the band defies big name synonymous groups.
The group opens their disc with sounds indicative of just what might come soon; chattering murmurs confuse the background music before slowly dying out. As unique as Velella Velella’s music is, it should cause a mentionable stir in the music community quite quickly. Like their name, and as was previously mentioned, bright noises and aquatic stirs grace the record throughout. Much of the music pipes happily throughout while combatant parts remind one of an underwater Mario level theme song or a toned down Life Aquatic track suck as “Ping Island.” Electronic beats reign prevalent, and the music runs a trippy course for the whole of the album.
Velella Velella’s Bay of Biscay is a record that defies reviewing conventions. The distinct lack of vocal work and overall relaxed aura about the songs means few tracks stand out, but the record as a whole impresses. It is my responsibility I feel to wrap up and summarize in the following manner; Bay of Biscay is an utterly outstanding and impressive work of art – give it a spin, for you won’t be disappointed.
Velella Velella’s music is the type that immediately invites you to draw comparisons to that of other musicians. Unfortunately, however, it proves exceedingly difficult to peg any truly accurate comparison on the group. More moderately electronic than Daft Punk, faster paced than Ratatat, and less hip hop oriented than Prefuse 73, the band defies big name synonymous groups.
The group opens their disc with sounds indicative of just what might come soon; chattering murmurs confuse the background music before slowly dying out. As unique as Velella Velella’s music is, it should cause a mentionable stir in the music community quite quickly. Like their name, and as was previously mentioned, bright noises and aquatic stirs grace the record throughout. Much of the music pipes happily throughout while combatant parts remind one of an underwater Mario level theme song or a toned down Life Aquatic track suck as “Ping Island.” Electronic beats reign prevalent, and the music runs a trippy course for the whole of the album.
Velella Velella’s Bay of Biscay is a record that defies reviewing conventions. The distinct lack of vocal work and overall relaxed aura about the songs means few tracks stand out, but the record as a whole impresses. It is my responsibility I feel to wrap up and summarize in the following manner; Bay of Biscay is an utterly outstanding and impressive work of art – give it a spin, for you won’t be disappointed.