Browsing Tag

Velvet Underground

Northern Arms lifted the veil on Americana alchemy in ‘This Thing Called We’

Posted on 11 September 2023

An amalgamation of influences from Bowie, Nick Cave, Arcade Fire, Velvet Underground and Pulp was always going to transpire as a cosmically compelling Tour De dark melodic Force, but what wasn’t a given was how much This Thing Called We by Northern Arms would stir the soul to such a viscerally amorous degree.

Northern Arms lifted the veil on Americana alchemy in his latest single, for which the Philadelphia-haunting song crafter enlisted the help of a stellar lineup of instrumentalists, who all brought their own profoundly deft touch to the art-rock installation.

If This Thing Called We came before Bowie’s Heroes, the single that will never be lost to history would easily be considered derivative. That may sound blasphemous until you’ve drenched yourself in the decadently morose romanticism; feel free to hit play and argue with me, because the way the single encapsulates the heart-wrenching pain that true love can leave us to linger in couldn’t be closer to the agonising mark.

Stream This Thing Called We on SoundCloud now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Indie-rock newcomers Indifferent Mechanics put their spin on Velvet Underground’s iconic track, ‘I’m Waiting for My Man’

Posted on 3 April 2021

Boulder Creek, CA-hailing indie-rock outfit Indifferent Mechanics have put their spin on ‘I’m Waiting for My Man’ by Velvet Underground. Considering that Vanessa Paradis and Bowie have already attacked the cover, it was hard to see how newcomers could add a slice of ingenuity to the table with it. Yet, they discernibly succeeded with their 70s punk, 80s goth and 90s industrial influences.

You’ll pick up hints of Poison Ivy in the production, Nirvana in the drums and the mellow bass lines while the vocals allow Waiting for the Man to carry the same nostalgic rock n roll edge.

Indifferent Mechanics cover of Waiting for the Man was released on February 24th. You can check it out for yourselves by heading over to YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

“It’s Music” – The HiGrounds’ Latest Rock And Roll Hit

Posted on 30 November 2017

Based in Manhattan Beach, CA, The HiGrounds are a band with a very particular sound that is essentially rock and roll with an evident contemporary flair. These guys share a passion for this type of music in particular, and this is shown in their music which clearly has a vintage character with a modern touch that only true dedicated musicians are able to create. With funky guitar progressions, punctuated by percussive piano and Hammond organ sounds backed by a solid rhythm section, their music is just one of a kind.

“it’s Music,” which is taken right off of their latest album “Wouldn’t Hurt To Show,” is a true reflection of what sounds and stylistic choices these guys are passionate about. The instrumental arrangement and texture do indeed provide that special vintage feel, particularly through the use of the organ, but this is not all the song has to offer. It has no shortage of catchy choruses and it also presents a feel-good sound suitable for pubs and bars, providing an authentic warm atmosphere. “It’s Music” is not only a song which is enjoyable to listen to. It is well crafted and performed. So if you like what you hear, make sure to check out the rest of the album too, and you will not be disappointed !

-Sarah Marie Bugeja