michael davison, aron watman, joe propatier, kris ricat
Influences
we are under several.
Sounds Like
Antimusic.com -
"The record, a blast of precise and fervor-filled post-punk-rock boasts both piercing hooks and bone-shaking aggression. Surviving the melee of industry, competition, and chameleon culture in America's most intense metropolis can be an undertaking; perhaps The Velocet's forthcoming release is the perfect field guide."
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Azltron -
"As for the sound of the band, the guitars are relentless, the vocals alternate between crooning and a fevered rasp, and the drums propel the tracks to the speed of pure rock bliss. For the uninitiated, I'd say that they sound like a tempered mix of the Foo Fighters, The Strokes, and The Cure. Borrowing accessible riffs and singing style from the first, intricate guitar tricks and occasional new wave indulgences from the second, and the feeling and atmosphere of the reverb from the third...Overall, The Velocet combine post punk influences with rock radio aspirations and the result is not only listenable, it's downright good."
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RiseAndRevolt -
rating: 93 of 100
"You can’t listen to these tunes and not attempt to dance in your chair. The Velocet seamlessly blends together many different aspects of music, from modern post-punk and indie rock to 80s music to straight up rock...there’s no dull moment...not a five second boring snippet on the record...you will be clinging to this album for dear life, because it’s just that good. To put it bluntly, The Velocet is an extremely catchy rock band that knows how to suck you in. You won’t want to stop listening to this record."
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Thetripwire.com -
"While I enjoyed the opener, "Chinatown," it was the hand-clap filled "O'Concertina" that sucked me in. It feels like a classic track from The Cars, which in my opinion is a damn good thing. With a hook this solid I will be placing this on my list of best tracks of the summer..."Coronation" is a well-produced, harmony filled, epic cut that shows off this band's chops. This could very well be the strongest track on the album, and I can only imagine how kickass it must be live...This is a great release from a group that has somehow remained off my radar up until now."
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Absolutepunk.net -
"The riffs of Kris Ricat are the true draw. From instantly infectious “Chinatown” to raspy and slow “Coronation”, Ricat puts melody ahead of everything. It’s greatly appreciated, as post-punk can sometimes get a bit Mohawk-y. If we wanted that, we wouldn’t have showered today. The Velocet are hardly dirty or grimy, but the shiny polish isn’t overdone.
Davison’s vocals have an edge about them, especially on “Birdsongs,” which recalls a time before cell phones and laptops. He can handle slower tracks such as “Birdsongs,” but he leads the dancy percussion of “Alone In Cologne” with a white-gloved fist. In true Brit-punk fashion, the lyrics are cheeky and comically sneering.
The songwriting on Guide To War never imitates too much or too little. The influences are clear in each song, but the creativity of The Velocet shines bright, especially on closer “Grand Mal.” A mash of pop, punk and progressive styles, the track changes frequently and impresses even more. Davison lowers his vocals a la Kele Okereke and the guitars screech and stray far from any recognizable tempos.
A Quick And Dirty Guide To War accomplishes everything a good post-punk release should. The lyrics are thoughtful, the vocals are spirited and the guitars chug ever-so-lightly. We get all the social discussions without the sit-ins and fasting. Who said activism requires activity? Not this guy."
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Pastepunk.com -
"What if SAMIAM were from Brooklyn? New York's THE VELOCET are an interesting band - their sound is clearly familiar to the propulsive post-punk that their geographical base is known for, but there's a little more than a token nod to actual punk in their style."
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Amplifer.com -
"This is the sound of post-modern rock in 2007. Truth be told, it would be easy to dismiss The Velocet as another faceless indie rock band, but give credit where it’s due. Contained in this sprawling collection of strident nuggets of burnished guitar rock are moments of sheer ingenuity, genuine melodic surprises and cool rhythmic choices; enough to suggest that A Quick and Dirty Guide to War deserves closer inspection to discover the gems hidden in the rough."
ORDER "A QUICK AND DIRTY GUIDE TO WAR" BY CLICKING HERE:
Michael Davison, lead vocals/guitar of Brooklyn based The Velocet and self-admitted Army brat explains, “I must have moved 20 times by the time I finished high school. At the time it was all I knew. I thought all kids grew up peering through a chain link fence with concertina wire perched on top.” Truth be told, the subject matter of A Quick And Dirty Guide To War is less about Davison’s inevitable stint as a Marine after college and more about his slugging it out on the streets of New York since having landed there disillusioned with all that was behind him.
Along with Juilliard trained guitarist Kris Ricat, former touring drummer for Damon Albarn, Joe Propatier, and former touring bassist for Brian Jonestown Massacre, Aron Watman, Davison has been creating the kind of passionate post-punk rock that has become synonymous with the burgeoning indie scene in NYC, with one exception: The Velocet has actual songs.
The record’s opener “Chinatown” is a fitting soundtrack for a bittersweet night of bohemian self indulgence and hipster bravado. The follow up “Concertina” - titled as much for the song’s heroine as it is for the cycloned razor wire that lined every Army base backyard Davison grew up on - hangs the listener’s ears helplessly on a guitar hook that effortlessly destroys everything it its wake. Ultimately, The Velocet offer song after song of tuneful and exciting (if possibly dance/riot inducing) alt-rock on A Quick And Dirty Guide To War - and we happily accept.
Transplanted from the grimy streets of Greenpoint to the peaceful and scenic town of Rhinebeck, NY by producer and sonic guru D. James Goodwin at The Clubhouse, The Velocet captured everything they envisioned for their debut out on Eyeball Records July 10th. It’s consistently in line with the band’s personality from Ricat’s first guitar line on ‘Chinatown’ to when Propatier throws his drumsticks at the end of ‘Grand Mal’. The band will be touring extensively throughout 2007 to bring A Quick And Dirty Guide To War to your living room.
Congratulations on One Tree Hill. Which airs tomorrow night. That's Tuesday, 2/12. On the CW11. At 9pm. 8p central. I'm so proud of you, I'm going to bake more penises in celebration.
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Hay, great cd men! cool song's, nice to have met, maybe will get a show together sometime?! Hope to see the band in providence again soon, now that i know your songs it will be somthing to look forward to!!!! Rock on! Mark Freebairn.
Yes! It's in the middle of the night in Sweden, I have no idea why I listen to your stuff at this hour (not many lullabyes to be found here) but still, I rock my little chair and am hoping that I somehow will be able to synchronize my next NYC trip with any future gig of yours. To put it simple: Thou Rock! Glad to be your friend!
your new record is great michael. im listening to it on my stereo right now..and yknow, i dont even like music..ha..lets book a show together after i get back from tour..
