Our favourite Dallas-based indie dream gaze outfit 9-Volt Velvet presents ‘Hurricane Brain’, the latest audio-visual offering in support of their debut album ‘Nude Beaches’.
Unleashing their pure raw talent, the band explodes with a lively and a captivating blend of fuzz, feedback and the driving energy of post-punk, alt rock and shoegaze rolled together. Here we have sonic temptation, pulsating rhythms and whispery yet hypnotizing vocals.
Now available on CD via Brighton, UK label Shore Dive Records, this 13-track collection blends washed-out fuzzy and feedback-laden guitars, driving bass and pounding drum beats. The band has also self-released a limited edition of twenty 7″ lathe-cut vinyl, featuring ‘Riptide’ as the A-side and ‘Hey Candy’ on the B-side.
TRACK LIST
01 Tropicalia
02 Brainwaves
03 Riptide
04 Floating Away
05 Blue Odyssey
06 Blues From A Gun
07 Blood Sugar Rush
08 Storm (Where’s My Sunny Day?)
09 Hurricane Brain
10 Hey Candy
11 Beach Ball
12 Blues From A Gun (extended edition)
13 Doldrums
Nestled in the fine territory between post-punk and shoegaze with a surf vibe, 9-Volt Velvet is made up of Mark Cross (lead vocals, guitar, bass, keyboards, percussion), Donnie Robertson (drums, percussion, keyboards) and Kevin Robinson (guitar, bass, keyboards, vocals).
Hailing from Muscle Shoals, AL and Dallas respectively, Mark and Donnie met through an ad in a local newspaper, hit it off instantly and formed a band, eventually being joined by Kevin soon after they began performing. Involving past members of of Viva Voce and The Northern Lights, they bring together several decades of experience playing shows with the likes of Starflyer 59, Spoon, The Dandy Warhols, Jimmy Eat World, Sunny Day Real Estate, Kill Hannah, Luxury, Lugsole, The Features, Bleach, Fold Zandura, 764-HERO and Morella’s Forest.
‘Nude Beaches’ is the culmination of 9-Volt Velvet’s musical journey, showcasing their evolution as artists and the unique sounds they have curated together. Inspired by their natural chemistry and a like-minded approach to music-making, in June 2023, they embarked on an intense 3-week studio session in Dallas, crafting an album that explores the themes of freedom and self-expression.
From the introspective lyrics to the intricate musical arrangements, every aspect of ‘Nude Beaches’ reflects the band’s commitment to pushing boundaries and taking risks. This is a sonic journey that invites listeners to embrace their own individuality and revel in the joy of truly being themselves.
Influenced by The Cure, Sonic Youth, Swervedriver, The Jesus & Mary Chain, DIIV and The Velvet Underground, 9-Volt Velvet emerged as a recording artist in January 22 with their debut ‘Cathedrals’ EP, followed by the ‘Mirrors’ EP in July of that year.
The ‘Nude Beaches’ album is available via Shore Dive Records on CD and digitally, as well as Apple Music, Spotify. The ‘Riptide / Hey, Candy’ 7″ vinyl edition is available exclusively from 9-Volt Velvet’s Bandcamp.
'Hurricane Brain" is an auditory grenade that explodes with raw, unfiltered energy. A track that fuses fuzz-drenched guitars, pounding rhythms, and hypnotic vocals into an unstoppable force, we could almost hear Nick Knox keeping time on his coffin lid. Our favourite Dallas dream gaze trio has unleashed a perfect sonic storm, so prepare to be blown away."
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CREDITS
Written and performed by 9-Volt Velvet
Mark Cross – lead vocals, guitar, bass, keyboards, percussion
Donnie Robertson – drums, percussion, keyboards
Kevin Robinson – guitar, bass, keyboards, vocals
Recorded at Starlight Studios (Dallas) by Donnie Robertson & Jeff Ross
Produced, mixed & mastered by Donnie Robertson
CD released via Shore Dive Records
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR