The Boulder, Colorado trio The Velveteers – fronted by the captivating Demi Demitro, accompanied by the energetic dual drummers Baby Pottersmith and Jonny Figg – have already played stadium stages alongside Guns N’ Roses and Smashing Pumpkins, following the success of their debut album. Now they've returned with their sophomore album ‘A Million Knives’ – a fierce comeback which encapsulates the band’s punk-laden sound, and offers a glimpse into the unspoken tolls of being an artist and the heartbreak caused sometimes by expectations clashing with reality.
‘All These Little Things’ kicks things off with a powerful sound that immediately draws you in and peaks your interest for the rest of the album. It is followed by ‘Suck The Cherry’ – the type of song that gets stuck in your head all day, but trust us when we say you are not going to get sick of this one too soon. The signature punk attitude and raw energy are driven by the dual drums and the guitar riffs, highlighting the lyrics perfectly.
‘Bound In Leather’ was the first song to be brought to life for this album and is distinguished by a heavy disco rhythm, that had us hitting rewind to hear our favourite part again and again. It focuses on the feeling of being trapped in your own body (“I’m an open book but I’m bound in leather”) and needing people to prove their trust to you – “You gotta prove it to me, show me that you mean what you say”.
The title track ‘A Million Knives’ summarizes the general idea of the album and has a more mellow sound, with the meaningful lyrics tugging at your heartstrings as the song plays on. The last section of the album consists of more melodic songs, the transition being marked by the lead single ‘Go Fly Away’. Co-written and co-produced by Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney of The Black Keys, the track aims to embody the need for freedom. ‘Fix Me’ has an added musical box sound which immediately makes you yearn for something long gone, a version of yourself that isn’t tangible anymore (“The sparkle that once was in my eyes, it has slowly faded away. Does it come as a surprise, or did you see it from miles away?”), ending the record with a dose of raw vulnerability.
This album is a must listen as it focuses on the band’s evolution through highs and lows, while keeping their distinguished rock’n’roll sound intact. Balancing heavier songs with some more melodic ones, the overall feeling of the album comes across as vulnerable and honest, leaving the listener wanting more and eager to follow the journey of the band.
Words: Iulia Furnica
Photo: Jason Thomas Geering
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