Velvetine are a four-piece band based in London, who describe themselves as blending influences of post punk, art rock and alternative music. Composed of Mia Scarlet, Ross Fernyhough, Joshua Rowell and Gabriel Powell, the band has so far released three singles: ‘Curtainsong’, ‘Hideaway’, and most recently ‘Everyday Masquerade’. Their latest single is an ‘ode to inspiration’ – the song pays homage to restless artists, and their bittersweet, constant need to create. With over five minutes of ethereal textures and a slow harmonic rhythm, we feel as if we too get lost in the inescapable masked ball of daily life. 

The most memorable feature of the track is its disorientating, lucid dream-like production. The song begins with a prominent bass hook riffing over a relaxed drum beat, supported by a rich shoegaze texture of synths and guitars. The guitar drawls are symptomatic of the Southern Gothic ‘dark country’ genre; with heavy reverb and panning, they add further space in the dreamy mix. Scarlet’s ethereal vocal is saturated with delay, reverb and sounds as if it is double tracked with whispers – a technique commonly used by My Bloody Valentine. She sings ‘hiding in my room from the world outside’ with a half-spoken vocal fry to encapsulate the boredom of an artist’s rut, and the monotony of everyday life. The vocal line becomes more melodic as the verse develops; the chorus sings a rumination ‘the need of creation, inspiration is dressed up, wasting time’ over soaring backing vocals. Scarlet’s voice is rich, with an edge of grit and power, whilst seamlessly blending into the dreamy rock instrumental. The bridge builds suspense, as the bass line picks faster rhythms and the drums punch through the texture. The vocal line rises in pitch, as we feel a climactic sense of rage at having to perform at this monotonous ‘masquerade’. However, before long the song collapses back into the familiar chorus, as we are eased back into the familiar feeling of wishing for ‘inspiration’. 

‘Everyday Masquerade’ establishes Velvetine’s unique sound as a post-punk take on art rock and shoegaze music. We look forward to further releases from the band, and hope for an upcoming debut EP or album.  

You can catch Velvetine at gig venues across London, including at Two Palms on 26th January.