Velvetine drops new single “Traces”

Coming out of London’s alternative music scene, Velvetine is a rising quartet that stitches elements of post-punk, shoegaze, goth,and art rock into a dark and gripping sonic fabric, resulting in a sound they call “gloomy dream rock.” Featuring the compelling vocals of Mia Scarlet, Ross Fernyhough’s atmospheric guitar work, Joshua Rowell on bass and Gabriel Powel driving the rhythm on drums, Velvetine brings a mix of emotion and energy that’s struck a chord with fans.

First unveiling their sound in February last year, they dropped their debut single “Curtainsong” which they followed up with singles two and three before appearing on the collaborative EP, Slow Dance 23.6, earlier this year with their song “Hideaway” alongside tracks from Hank and Gordian Stimm. Bringing their music alive on stage, they’ve won over live audiences at various events including a headline show with Bad Vibrations at MOTH Club in London in April.

Now they return with new material, bringing us their latest single titled “Traces,” a song about the human psyche, exploring the things people often hide from others and from themselves. The single speaks to the ways we avoid confronting underlying issues, often choosing to protect our pride rather than face difficult truths. By doing so, the song suggests, we only create more problems for ourselves, becoming more detached from self-growth.

It’s a track that distils the band’s thematic depth in spectacular fashion, pushing listeners to reflect on their own emotional honesty and the barriers we create in the name of self-preservation. Wrapped up in a moody rock sound dripping in hazy atmosphere, the track opens with the airy twang of guitar notes as pulsing bass lines met with the lively splash of drums.

Among the rise and fall of the arrangement, Mia’s commanding vocal performance glides above to drape memorable melodic leads over the enveloping musical tapestry. Swelling in the chorus with charging energy capped by stunning vocal hooks, the track delivers an epic slice of anthemic alternative rock music.

With slick ebb and flow that sees the instrumentation dip in and out to craft an engaging listening experience from start to finish, with “Traces,” Velvetine serve up an incredible showcase of their highly original songwriting and wholly powerful sound. As they continue to go from strength to strength and with another live show at The 100 Club with SULK and Slow Cooked in London this evening, this thrilling new band shows no signs of slowing down on their must watch sonic adventure.

Listen to Traces below