THE VELVET TEEN reviews

PRESS DEMOCRAT feature article
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CMJ
As the name implies, the Velvet Teen's debut is soft to the senses, yet heralds a youthful exuberance that keeps the music fresh and vibrant. The California group's set of smart and charming indie-pop songs sound as if they could have been imported from the other side of the Atlantic. Whether mixing singer Judah Nagler's elegant falsetto with hushed keyboards on a delicate lullaby such as "The Prize Fighter," or furious guitar riffs over booming drumbeats on "Your Last Words," the 10 tracks from Out Of The Fierce Parade convey an intimacy matched by few. The album standout is "Radiapathy," which pounds the beats into your head while Nagler's tongue-in-cheek vocals weave their way into your memory: "I get out of bed the same way everyday/ Blurry-eyed and waiting for the alarm to sing/ Sing me into FM radiapathy/ Numb and tired and perfect for the working day." The Velvet Teen's smooth brand of rock will romance even the most callous of listeners.
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DELUSIONS OF ADEQUACY
I am a selfish editor. Originally, I was going to send The Velvet Teen's new album off to a writer to review, as I took it for some sort of indie-pop despite knowing better from the label. But one listen convinced me I have to keep this for myself. Out of the Fierce Parade has become my most listened to album in months, and one of my surprise finds. There is no doubt that this album will make my best-of list for the year. In other words, I can't rave about it enough. Yet I'm going to try. Oddly enough, since I've been raving about them, other DOA writers who have downloaded mp3s compared them to everyone from Incubus to School of Fish. The Velvet Teen sounds nothing like those bands, so fear not. Centered around rich piano, absolutely gorgeous soaring vocals by frontman Judah Nagler (his vocals remind me of Jeff Buckley at times), and a light but strong rhythm section, these songs are things of beauty, with incredibly precise production by Death Cab For Cutie's Chris Walla. At times soft and soulful, at others more up-beat and rocking, there is not a loser on this entire album.
The trio starts soft with the almost dreamy "A Special Gift to You" before leading into the guitar-driven "Radiapathy" that reminds me of the brilliance of Camden. Up-tempo and intense with stellar bass lines, it shows the different but equally strong side of the band. From there, the band combines the sound. There's a light, poppy feel on "The Prize Fighter," a more driving, urgent sound with plenty of keyboards on "Caspian Can Wait," and "Four Story Tantrum" is a passionate track, full of driving guitar and intense vocals.
Perhaps my favorite song is the almost seven-minute "Penning the Penultimate." Here, Judah's voice is light and melancholy, starting accompanied only by an acoustic guitar but soft drums come in to give the song a gentle flow. Almost desperately raw, as they sing, "and I struggle so hard for each breath that I take," it's a beautiful song, made into a soaring epic by the end. "Your Last Words" ups the tempo a bit, led by emphatic drums and a throbbing bass line, and "Death" finishes soft and dreamy, almost a mournful lullaby, as the piano again comes to the fore to close things out.
This is a long album, and yet it feels too short. Every element here is simply beautiful, even when the song is more up-tempo. But the true brilliance is in the band's slower, more soaring ballad-like numbers. Never has a piano sounded this good in a pop/rock setting. Add to that the incredible artwork by band member Logan Whitehurst, and you have an album worth treasuring, not merely listening to.
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GEEK AMERICA
The Velvet Teen are musical messiahs sent to save emo kids from all the bad music of the world. Heed the call and go forth!
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ARCADE PROJECT
While their talent is obvious upon first listen, the three-piece known as The Velvet Teen may require a few listens before you realize they've made one of the most exciting records of the year. We're now six or so years on since the birth of the "Inspired By Radiohead" epoch, and the influence has benefited bands with unconventional song structures like Elbow and Clinic. However unwillingly they feel about being grouped together, their similarity to Yorke and Co. lies less in their musical distinction than the very fact that people are looking for groups that can equally combine melodicism and innovation with apparent ease. Out of the Fierce Parade is no Kid A, but any fan of The Bends might be intrigued. Judah Nagler has the gumption to sing like he's gliding over the music, stretching notes with effortless flair in his mid-high-pitched voice. The songs are complex without losing themselves in post-rock noodling, catchy while carrying enough depth to rely on more than simple hooks. Considering this release is on a small independent record label, the production work is particularly fantastic, letting the musical nuances rise up to the surface with deft subtlety. Beyond Radiohead, friends have compared them to Shudder To Think, Jeff Buckley and Queen. I don't hear any of that, causing me to wonder if we are indeed dealing with a group whose future is a path yet to be paved.
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THE BIG TAKEOVER
With their first full length release, the Velvet Teen, a charming trio from Santa Rosa, have created a wonderfully moving work of creative and smart spacious pop songs. Recorded by Chris Walla of Death Cab For Cutie, Out Of The Fierce Parade is almost a perfect album. The trio harmonizes brilliantly, conjuring up shadows of bands like Radiohead and Sunny Day Real Estate, but with so much more of a down to earth and honest feel. These guys are real. You could just hang out and have a drink with them, and in the meantime - let the music move you to places you've always wanted to go. The band rocks out well, the distortion against Judah Nagler's falsetto, and the dynamics just make you feel alive. It's like a sunset at 6 am. - marcel feldmar
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THE OBSERVER
The Velvet Teen's Out of the Fierce Parade is a slow-to-burn flame, but once it catches, it's like wildfire. Just starting out, this do-it-yourself band is nothing short of impressive. The 3 band members write their own music, make their own album covers, co-produce and play all the instruments on the album. And surprisingly, the styles of music vary greatly on the album. The first track, "A Special Gift to You," sparkles with chimes, piano, guitar, and rich, mature vocals a la Jeff Buckley. The chimes fade into radio static, and the second track, "Radiapathy," starts to rock out with heavy bass, ride cymbal, and screaming, urgent vocals. Out of the Fierce Parade (Slowdance) blasts out 10 incredible songs, each shining in its own distinct spotlight (especially the building, emo-laden "Four Story Tantrum"). Whether enhancing a mood with softharmonizations, or creating one with in-your-face wake-up chords, The Velvet Teen deserves roaring recognition for Out of the Fierce Parade, and watch out-it's only their first major release.
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SAY FRANCISCO BAY GUARDIAN
Jangled up Slowdance Records sent three West Coast art rock, neo-emo-pop, "we don't need your stinkin' genres" bands on tour to prove that electronic roots can run sweet. The Bay Area's Velvet Teen pull off unironic love songs and catchy melodic pop with equal sincerity. Judah Nagler's angelic lead vocals float like Jeremy Enigk's solo work or a less operatic Craig Wedren (Shudder to Think) but are tethered by solid harmonies, Casio lines, and jangly guitars.
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THE VILLAGE VOICE
The Velvet Teen are teens indeed, or sure look and sound like teens, and as such their pleasant indie fare is labeled emo by default. In fact, their new full-length (produced by Death Cab for Cutie's Chris Walla) finds their Radiohead jones duking it out with their hooky harmony-laden pop jones as their Northwestern keyboard and guitar crunch jones shouts encouragement from the sidelines.
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CITY SEARCH
If Bjork, Radioheadıs Thom Yorke, Steely Dan and Morrissey had three sons together who formed a band, they would sound a lot like The Velvet Teen. Prodigy-like in their ability to fashion lovely, ethereal songs which would temper even the most troubled psyche, the ŒTeen have formed a devout fanbase in only a couple years of bandhood. If rap-metal -- Americaıs current fad -- had an antidote, it would be young Judah Naglerıs tremulous and passionate falsetto, filled with earnesty, civility and poise. Far from being twee, like so many of their peers, the Velvet Teenıs second release (on Portlandıs Slowdance Records) ŒOut of the Fierce Paradeı is a masterwork that is climbing the college charts at an astonishing rate. If you want to catch the nationıs Next Big Thing, I recommend seeing the ŒTeen in their upswing. They do not disappoint.
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SANTA BARBARA INDEPENDENT
The first full-length LP by this prodigious indie trio from Santa Rosa lulls you into a moody dreamland only to shake you out of it violently with biting lyrics and outbreaks of controlled chaos, á la Radiohead. Lead singer/guitarist/keyboardist Judah Nagler paints a self-portrait of his emotions with a Jeff Buckley-esque vocal range. Drummer Logan Whitehurst and bassist Josh Staples add well-timed backup harmonies. The analogue recording gives the well-orchestrated album a warm, vinyl-y feel.
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BASEMENT-LIFE
The debut full-length from CAıs The Velvet Teen is a majestic indie song cycle that hints at Radiohead and Death Cab For Cutie while still managing to sound both original and inspired. Death Cabıs Chris Walla produced the disc, which accounts for some of the sonic similarities, but the trio knows how to create a melodically captivating aura all their own and it shines through over the discıs nine tracks. All three musicians lend their vocal abilities to the album, but itıs Judah Naglerıs tender falsetto that comes out on top and gives the disc some real moments of beauty. There are bits of rock as well, though they trickle in and out, leaving the groupıs more mellow and introspective moments as the recordıs focal point. Acoustic guitars, subtle drumming, and even electric piano sounds round out the affair, which should theoretically sound fairly stripped down, but is instead incredibly full though never overbearing. Chunkier and more upbeat grooves on tracks like ³Your Last Words² and ³Radiopath² save the record from falling into any truly predictable doldrums, and they also show the bandıs depth, a welcome change from acts that are firmly planted in a particular style. Out Of The Fierce Parade is melodic and emotional without being sappy, and fans of lighter indie fare will likely eat it up.
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THE PORTLAND MERCURY
The Velvet Teen kind of looks like they're 17, but I swear they're old enough to be in the bar. It's so astonishing when such a succinct, ringing soprano is emitted from their tiny little vocalist, who creates beautifully written, youthful pop songs. Velvet, indeed.
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SINCERE BRUALITY
If you want to place your bets on "Next Big Thing" you should really go with The Velvet Teen. They are young, incredibly talented, have a great deal of integrity and sincerity, and everyone will agree that they are super-great. The CD's artwork is so gorgeous, all hand etched and then printed (not by hand, but still beautiful) and the jpg of the cover just doesn't do it justice. Oh, and this CD was recorded by Mr. Death Cab Chris Walla himself, so there's your stamp of approval. Here's mine: thumps up for that first record in the morning feeling.
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SACRAMENTO NEWS & REVIEW
This Santa Rosa-based trio has been working the West Coast club circuit for the past year and has been winning over fans everywhere. Singer Judah Nagler, whose voice comes with a similar warbling falsetto, sounds not unlike a young Jeff BuckleyŠ the Velvet Teenıs music shimmers with three-part harmonies and elegant transitions.
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RANDIO
Indie and emo don't begin to describe the lush, sonic architecture of "Out of the Fierce Parade," Velvet Teen's debut full-length album. Recorded in Seattle in a week, "Parade" overflows with harmonies, hooks and bridges -- the kind of "gimmicks" other indie bands have forsaken. Songs spread out, soaring into balladry and instrumental breaks that rise, crash and recede, then do it all over again. "A Special Gift For You" is a soulful and contemplative rumination on life and love featuring heartbreaking, falsetto vocals and an impeccable sense of rhythm for a band so young. The elegance and pace of "Pet Sounds" comes to mind during songs like "Red, Like Roses" and "Four Story Tantrum." Not that the band -- drummer Logan Whitehurst, singer/songwriter Judah Nagler and bassist Josh Staples -- can't amp up when they want to. "Radiapathy" not only has a great title, it sprints along to chiming U2-style guitars, a thunderous bass line, and bright, football-sing-along choruses. The high point of "Parade" is "Into the Open," a thrilling, super-charged rocker that -- ohmygod! -- conveys a "message" about resiliency and dreams: "Out of fierce parade/and into your smiling mug/into the open air to prove you're the top." The boys recently completed a coast-to-coast tour and opened for Death Cab For Cutie at San Francisco's Noise Pop Festival last spring. They've put 30,000 miles on their van in the past eight months, so watch for them to play your town soon.
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FM SOUND
Štheir music is covered by an embryo of beauty that reveals emotional depth and profound musicality. The guitar brings the listener into a heightened state of bliss as the mind is no longer tainted by the ugliness of life. Each note colors every sound with an aura of splendor more prevalent than the last as you listen in amazement. Judah Naglerıs voice is ethereal, the sweetness and range he reflects is astounding. Thom Yourkeıs vocals cannot compare‹even his duet with the goddess PJ Harvey does not reaches this level of brilliance. His voice is unworldly and has no known boundaries; he can convert the highest falsetto into a bittersweet melody, all while drenched in loveliness. The listenerıs focus removes from the lyrical content of each song as Judahıs talent delights the mind with his angelic pitch and resilient tone. As the album graces your ears, reality is blurred and the romantic dreams of your youth re-ignite for the fleeting moment of joy you receive while you sample The Velvet Teenıs godliness.
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THE STRANGER
The Velvet Teen's new record, Out of the Fierce Parade, opens with a mystical slowness made up of pretty piano chords and a constant stream of crystalline bells, pretty much setting the tone for the heavenly tenor of lead singer Judah Nagler. Barely 21 years old, Nagler is a bit of a child prodigy. His emotional voice is more supple than Jeff Buckley's, but has that same effortless, druggy quality that will give you eight hours of flying dreams if you listen to it before you go to bed. At the same time, Nagler can make huge open-mouthed screams that sound urgent while still maintaining an element of tasteful vibrato. The rest of the instruments--piano, guitar, bass, drums--can be both rocking and angelic, but inevitably revolve around the strength of Nagler's voice and the band's perfect, sort of Brit-poppy (Suede, old Radiohead) major-chord harmonies. The magical, heartfelt sound has even got a bunch of major labels all up in the Velvet Teen's grill.

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THE STRANGER (again)
It must be tiresome to be compared to Radiohead all the time, so this brief word should begin with an apology to the members of the Velvet Teen, a Northern California trio whose LP, Out of the Fierce Parade, is a swooning, soaring triumph of emotional indie pop. Now then, they also sound like Radiohead (side two of OK Computer-vintage), and when I say that, I don't mean they are one of those bands that sounds like they're trying to rip off Radiohead (Coldplay, Travis) without doing the hard work. What I mean is that they sound inspired, sad, fearless, and utterly lovely, and should not be missed.