Get Recced: the Velvet Chain: Asteroid Belt

recommended by Amezri

I was first introduced to the group in 1997 when they appeared on an episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. My copy of the out of print "Groovy Side" is a prized possession. They're very likely the first and only band to offer custom-made and personalized CDs to their fans. It's like mix tapes, only better and official. After five albums and a bunch of custom releases, the Velvet Chain is back with "Asteroid Belt", a 16 track album released in November 2003.

If You Like...

Jazz, Lounge, Trip-hop, Portishead, Morcheeba, Hooverphonic

Speed Bio:

The two core members of Velvet Chain are vocalist Erika Amato and Jeff Stacy, composer-producer-bassist extraordinaire. The rest of the band consists of drums, keyboards, and two guitars. They are based out of Los Angeles, California where they have a large local following. I feel compelled to say that Erika went on Win Ben Stein's Money and kicked his butt.

What Do They Sound Like?

I'm pretty bad at describing music in the first place, so trying to verbalize the sound of Velvet Chain is a bit difficult. Therefore, I direct you to the band's site where you can have a listen to their music. Most, if not all, of their catalog is available as samples and/or full MP3s, which is generally unheard of in these days of pirate paranoia.

Now this is me trying to verbalize. For starters, they don't sound like any other band out there. They blend jazz, funk, trip-hop, rock, pop, and everything else into a style that is uniquely Velvet Chain. It's just a very cool, smooth, funky vibe.

The tracks on "Asteroid Belt" range from electronica to cool jazz. Erika sings in French on the track "L'Anamour," which will remind fans of "Oui Je L'Adore" from their "Moody Groove Music" album. There's also a reworked, more upbeat version of "All Your Cash," retitled "Cash." The trip-hop, electronica rhythms of "Beat Box" and "Everyone Loves the Art of Noise" make them my favorite tracks. Jerry Corbetta, original member of Sugarloaf, plays organ on Velvet Chain's cover of "Green-Eyed Lady." How cool is that?

Where to Buy:

I doubt you'll find anything in stores outside the LA area, so head on over to the band's store front.

For More Information:

Lots and lots of info, electronic press kits, and music downloads at the official site: VelvetChain.com

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