Album Review: Velvet Skyline – What We Have in Common (Self Released)

Carl Fisher 2 min read

Velvet Skyline is a Texas-based modern alternative rock band, led by lead vocalist Taylor Seerden. The vivacious quartet uses music as forms of escape and therapy, using strong and vivid themes and imagery to  celebrate empowerment, tackle past trauma and to show strength in uncertain times. Their new LP “What We Have In Common” is out on February 5th 2021.

All about catchiness, the soft-rocking and grungy chill vibe of opener Burden sets the tone for this record. A refreshing slice of thought-provoking, meaningful, reflective and uplifting tunes. Where the focus is often on the vocals, for good reason to as Seerden has good range. From mellow crooning, to powerful and punkish bites. It’s what stands out on the biting Circles.

Lifting the energy a bit, By My Side is nice and rhythmic with a strong message in the lyrics. Lost My Head Again is one many people, even more so these pandemic-stricken days, can relate too and Tracing’s combo of punchy drums and tougher riffs sticks in the mind.

Keeping it grungy and mellow, Until I Met You and Drown are as focused as ever on what Velvet Skyline do best. The latter’s psychedelic guitar twang is a nice change and when they kick things up a notch in the chorus, it does the job well.

It would be nice to get something with some proper energy at this stage though and happily, Panic Hour delivers. Before we are taken into the doldrums with Monochrome Wasteland. The penultimate track dragging things down to low levels of moody melody. For better or worse, it’s drawn out but it is effective.

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Unsurprisingly, the album comes to a close in a reflective and tear-jerking way with Paint Me Blue. The soft guitar strumming and relaxed vocals wrap things up in solid style. It’s a well written, well sung and well thought-out album that is designed to be relaxed too. It’s mood-altering but only as far as making you focus and think while listening.

Velvet Skyline – What We Have in Common Full Track Listing:

1. Burden
2. Circles
3. By My Side
4. Lost My Head Again
5. Tracing
6. Until I Met You
7. Drown
8. Panic Hour
9. Monochrome Wasteland
10. Paint Me Blue




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  • Owner/Administrator/Editor/Writer/Interviewer/YouTuber - you name it, I do it. I love gaming, horror movies, and all forms of heavy metal and rock. I'm also a Discworld super-fan and love talking all things Terry Pratchett. Do you wanna party? It's party time!

Velvet Skyline - What We Have in Common (Self Released)
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