Double Decker Bus Records
2006
The Juggernaut
About This Album
Initially, Velvet's sophomore set, Juggernaut, sounds deceptively simple, comprising a dozen pop/rockers that run the gamut from dreamy and breezy to punchy, a duplicity compounded by the set's understated production. But listen again, and the complexity of the band's sound, their subtle diversity of style, and their excellent musicianship begins to come into sharper focus. Take the opening track, "This Is for You," which starts out as an Elastica-styled staccato song; but then one notices the driving R&B bass riff, the splash of gothic guitar lead, and the chiming guitar that eventually bursts forth in all its glory.

Velvet excel at these subtle twists and unexpected turns, transmuting familiar styles and sounds right under your ears. "Girl Fan," for instance, echoes with the lush new romantic atmosphere of the Passions' "I'm in Love With a German Film Star," but intertwines a sharp rhythm and an elegant, big rock guitar solo that turns the song on its head. An even more straightforward number like the Southern rocker "Cracker" embeds some surprises, including a delightful splash of punk and a clapping new wave rhythm. "Monika" goes the opposite direction, dousing a punk rocker with Southern rock elements.
Track List (try tracks 1,3 and 4)

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