The "Moody Grove Music" album is the newest release by this seven-membered band from the good old
City of Angels. Velvet Chain first appeared on the "Buffy
the Vampire Slayer" sound track and sports three other
releases, including "Buffy EP" and a full length album
called "Warm". "Moody Groove Music" is a sly, and
sensual wake up call for your senses. Erika Amato's vocals are very smooth
and flowing, making me feel almost like I was sitting in the front row at a
old gangster hang out from the movies.
The group, led by Erika, is backed by Brett
Chassen (drums), Arif and Brian Readon (guitars),
Jeff Stacy (bass), David Fraga (keyboards), and DJ
Swerve (turntables).
Far from done, this group
of pure talent expects their next full-length
album, "Asteroid Belt", to be released in April of
2001. Not only has Velvet Chain toured the U.S., they've
played over 150 shows in their home town of L.A.
alone!
I really enjoyed this album and look forward to
hearing the next Velvet Chain installment in the spring! As mentioned by
others who try to describe the style played by the
group, the sound is "multi-dimensional", defying categorization. Velvet Chain has a rich sound with just a saucy touch of swing to
it. Erika's flute adds magic to the smooth melodies.
My favorites from "Moody Groove Music" have to be "Oui, Je
L'adore" and "Fall Away". "Fall Away" tells about a
friend helping another through a hard time with
depression. "Oui,Je L'Adore" is a very swing-ish tune sung (surprise!) in French, the words flowing like wine from
Erika's heart and lungs.
Over all I would definitely recommend these guys if
you're looking for something new and different. The swing
craze is coming back with a vengeance, and this group
may very well be leading the pack before we know it!
