Review of The Velveteers’ album ‘A Million Knives’ on The Soundboard

The Velveteers have always been a band that stands out due to their unique lineup. With two drummers on board, many questions are raised about their necessity and effectiveness. The addition of The Black Keys’ Patrick Carney on a song on their latest album “A Million Knives” further complicates things. It’s clear that perhaps producer Dan Auerbach’s influence has played a role in enabling the band’s unconventional decisions, as seen in their debut album “Nightmare Daydream” which lacked the groove and power expected in garage rock music.

The album starts off strong with the opening track “All These Little Things,” showcasing the band’s ability to deliver standard garage rock sound. However, the rest of the album fails to build upon this strong start. The band continues to struggle to find its footing and create an appealing sound. The recurring issue of having two drummers remains an unnecessary distraction, especially on tracks like “Go Fly Away.” The overall sound of the album is marred by a cacophony of overmixed audio, highlighting the discord between the band and their producer.

Despite some standout moments like the disco-influenced “Bound In Leather” and the catchy “Take It From The Top,” the album falls short of achieving a cohesive and remarkable sound. The band’s aversion to creating simply good music is evident throughout, with vocalist Demi Demitro often struggling to find her place in the mix. Her performance, while at times compelling, is reflective of the band’s overall lack of direction and focus.

There are glimpses of potential in the band’s writing, with songs like “Bound In Leather” offering a fresh perspective on rock music. However, these moments are overshadowed by the band’s insistence on maintaining an edgy and affect-driven persona. The overall experience of listening to “A Million Knives” is a laborious one, with the band’s attempts to break away from traditional garage rock constraints falling flat.

In conclusion, while The Velveteers do set themselves apart from other garage rock bands, their efforts to do so often result in a disjointed and unfulfilling experience for the listener. The album may show some improvement from their debut, but ultimately, it is more engaging to discuss the band’s potential than to engage with their music. Despite their creative ambition, The Velveteers have yet to find their footing in the music industry, leaving listeners questioning their true musical direction.