Them Velvet Tongues – Shock Horror (2022)
Channelling the lawless spirit of British Invasion blues, a hip-hop swagger and raw Britpop, Them Velvet Tongues is a quintet breathing life into old-school rock and roll. Described as a band that is “straight in your face with hooks in your brain and guitars up the wazoo…” (Jammerzine), the Blackburn-based group are oozing a rapturous passion in their unique sound. Alongside their feature on Jammerzine, Them Velvet Tongues has coverage on an international scale with Sinusoidal Music, Underground N Proud, Find No Enemy, Music Hacker, GigRader and RGM singing their praises. The latest addition to the band’s discography is the single ‘Shock Horror’.
Following their debut single, ‘I Am The Drug’ (released in 2021), Them Velvet Tongues release ‘Shock Horror’. Picking up where the debut track left off, ‘Shock Horror’ adopts an electrifying old-school rock and roll meets punk sound with nostalgic flair. If Sex Pistols were to have a kid with the Rolling Stones, the chances are Them Velvet Tongues would be it and ‘Shock Horror’ would be the baptismal tune.
Bold, rich and full-bodied, the powerful guitar riffs and pounding drums toss you into a kaleidoscopic sonic whirlpool spinning you about at a reckless speed – but you love it! What I find interesting about the melodic arrangement is how each instrument receives prominence so you can appreciate everything, however, it all comes together in a united whole that is even more overwhelming. From catchy verses to infectious choruses, the composition takes you on a rollercoaster of emotion and sound.
While the melody can hold its own as an insane ride of rock music, it is the lyricism that enhances the depth of Them Velvet Tongues. The band explains that ‘Shock Horror’ is “…an exploration of pub and drug culture examining the good, the bad and the ugly sides…as the song progresses, it is clear to see that behind the bombast and bravado lies pain and pathos. In this sense, the lyrics don’t lecture but leave you to make up your own mind.”
A blast of frenetic, energetic and mind-blowing organised chaos, Them Velvet Tongues hit you in the chest and slap you in the face with their track ‘Shock Horror’.
For more from Them Velvet Tongues check out their Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
