The Ardvark Felon releases new album

The exciting musical outfit known as The Ardvark Felon is, in fact, the alter ego and anagram-inspired name of the artist Frank Velardo. As the composer, lead singer and guitarist of the band, he distils a fusion of in-the-moment energy and polished craftsmanship through his own unique creative lens to bring The Ardvark Felon’s musical universe to life alongside an ensemble of talented band members.

Their music, a blend of seriousness and absurdity, exudes funkiness in all the right ways. They revel in playing for dancers and possess the ability to escalate the energy with explosive group improvisations and jams. The saga of Ardvark Felon started in 2017 with the debut single “My Baby Gets Me High,” a prelude to a series of singles leading up to their eponymous debut album, The Ardvark Felon, in 2020. Following three additional singles, the band now unveils their latest sonic expedition, the sophomore full-length album titled Yes, There is Life… Baby!

This new offering goes to deeper, harder and moodier places while still maintaining hints of the jubilant approach that they’ve become known for. A fusion of groove, rock and dreamy elements thread the album, with each track offering its own entirely unique experience. Rooted in the blues but expanded and developed, the album showcases the band’s influence from the late 60s and early 70s psychedelic rock era.

The formidable quartet, featuring Frank Velardo on vocals and guitar, Mike Frank on keyboards, Jordan Berger on bass and Alex Maio on drums, combines to create a sensational ten-track experience. The album, recorded across various home setups and studios, bears the mark of Frank Velardo as the producer, with mixing assistance from Jordan Berger at Cat Hair Studio.

Opened by “One Time,” the album kicks off with a shimmering sound of lively drums, warm key notes, grooving bass lines and lightly gritty guitar tones. Setting up an uptempo backdrop of bouncy energy, Frank’s expressive vocal leads fly above, threading a dynamic performance that flutters between smooth melodic lines and rich belted lines lifted by backing vocals, resulting in an engaging jam capped by a slick electric guitar solo.

“Got This Feeling” starts with the pulse of bass guitar driven by the laid back snap of drums as delicate keys accent the rhythm and add harmonic colour. Frank’s superb bluesy lead vocals serve up compelling melodies that snake through the arrangement as piquant key tones dance and staccato horn flourishes pepper the mix, performed by Adam Hershberger on trumpet, Larry Toft on trombone and Thomas Razler on tenor sax.

With the album version of previously released single “Racing Through Time,” the band crafts a hazy psychedelic rock aesthetic propelled by the lulling punch of drums and intricate instrumental sprinkles as Frank’s velvet voice guides the listener through a shifting sonic landscape of evolving rhythms and varying instrumentation. It’s a stellar display of Frank’s songwriting panache, the band’s exquisite musicianship and the sonic chemistry that makes the project shine so brightly.

Other highlights on the record include songs like “Subject To Change” with its elegant guitar led intro, joined by the gentle taps of percussion and vibrant tones of the horn section. With a mellow energy and smokey vibe, the track lays down a smooth retro soft rock-inspired, jazz-tinged outing brimming with memorable melodic leads, picture painting lyricism and dazzling arrangement.

The album closes with “Small Star” where airy chimes float above the grooving skanks of guitar chords and lullaby-esque vocal style. Building with blissful guitar textures, injecting subtle energy with a shaker and rumble of drums, it’s a trippy psych cut to provide the perfect finale to The Ardvark Felon’s incredible sophomore full-length release. The whole album serves up a thrilling journey of enduring sound and timeless quality, making it the perfect record to own on vinyl, which can be ordered via their Bandcamp here.

Listen to Yes, There is Life… Baby! below