Velvet Beach - “Uncertainty”

Photo by Amryn Shae

If their new LP, The Dream, is anything like the single, “Uncertainty,” then Velvet Beach have a body of work that everyone should check out. Although we are not reviewing albums at this time, we appreciate when a submission includes the lead single– and we appreciate it even more when that single moves us emotionally.

“Uncertainty” is a ballad that, right out of the gate, is pushed forward by a driving beat that rides the toms. And though we were, at first, reluctant to mention its Kate Bush vibe, we figured it would be safe to do so when we saw her mentioned in the band’s influences. But this beat pulsates in a way that is akin to “Running Up That Hill.” Please keep in mind that the sensation is what is reminiscent here, not the sound– Velvet Beach have one that is all their own.

Guitars fade in with a bit of grit, powerful but not overpowering, perfect for this gently rocking groove. A synth soars in the background as we wait for the vocals to arrive. And once they appear in their Phoebe Bridgers sort of way, they deliver a message that is bound to resonate with most listeners: “Have you ever known a doubt like this… That life is dead, your heart’s in your fist…” This brand of vocal has been very popular lately and it is one of which we are very fond, but it’s quite refreshing to hear it atop such an otherwise raw soundscape.

“Uncertainty” is so good, in fact, that it forced us to listen to more of the album (which is exactly what a good single should do). The opener, “Reverie,” although a short minute and a half, beholds some of the most vibrant guitar that we’ve heard in awhile, setting up the following track, “Return,” quite nicely– so nicely that we wish they were somehow the same song. We had to be sure that “Uncertainty” was not a fluke (spoilers: it’s not); from Arcade Fire to Cocteau Twins and back again, we are quite certain that you’ll find something you like inside of The Dream.

-TM