The Velvet Teen's first four releases, from 2000-2002, were their take on emo of the day; then, they audaciously leapt from the pretty bass, strings, brass and piano of Elysium (2004) to the erratic, progressive electronic foray Cum Laude! (2006) — the band's most experimental work to date and their last full-length. Nine years later, the Velvet Teen return with their fourth full-length.
All is Illusory sounds like the band are finally settling down. Their newest offering combines the band's established delicate, refined sensibility ("The Giving In") with flourishes of synth ("Pecos") and a dose of their indie rock inclinations ("Eclipses," the album's highlight). It's a combination of the sounds they explored on past albums, and the lack of cohesion makes it slightly less effective than those singularly focused experiments.
Still, it's a sign of consistency from the band, and fans will appreciate the usual stylized sentimentality (Judah Nagler's vocal abilities make him a suitable candidate for a sing-off with Matt Bellamy) and the fact that even their more intricate, experimental songs go down easy.
(Topshelf Records)All is Illusory sounds like the band are finally settling down. Their newest offering combines the band's established delicate, refined sensibility ("The Giving In") with flourishes of synth ("Pecos") and a dose of their indie rock inclinations ("Eclipses," the album's highlight). It's a combination of the sounds they explored on past albums, and the lack of cohesion makes it slightly less effective than those singularly focused experiments.
Still, it's a sign of consistency from the band, and fans will appreciate the usual stylized sentimentality (Judah Nagler's vocal abilities make him a suitable candidate for a sing-off with Matt Bellamy) and the fact that even their more intricate, experimental songs go down easy.