THE VELVETEENS
Marveline (Derailleur)
Reviewed by DJ Johnson

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Amy and Meagan Alwood have been performing as a duo in Columbus, Ohio for quite a while. Marveline is their debut as a full band (though apparently there have already been personnel changes since this CD was recorded), and while it's probably not for everybody, there's something quite interesting going on here for those that appreciate sounds that are off the beaten track. Their music, written by guitarist Amy, is loose and often unexpected, zigging when you expect a zag and diving just when you're sure it's going to soar. Which is really the only way to present lyrics like Amy's. Like her music, her words are unexpected, never predictable.

"We pushed it our way,
licked our paws,
stepped on the walk of guardians claws
We drank 'til we're full,
soaked our souls,
rotted the food prepared in our bowls."

That kind of imagery stumps a lot of people, but for those that get it there is plenty more on Marveline. The vocal harmonies and often strange chord progressions clash in marvelous discordance to grab your attention and make you focus. With an excellent debut like this, The Velveteens might just turn a lot of heads in the coming years. Keep an eye out.

(C) 1999 - DJ Johnson