The choppy, chuggy chords that introduce Sand In The Hardest Shell immediately recall the work and the spirit of legions of revered rock bands that have come before.
Nestled in the middle of Velour On Tap’s debut EP, we detect traces of 80s/90s luminaries like R.E.M., Guided By Voices and Teenage Fanclub in both the earnest, heart-on-sleeve nature of the lyrical delivery and in the vigour and vivaciousness of the musical arrangements. The song is particularly elevated by the backing vocals of Emilie MacBeath, who, when combined with the main man (more on him in a bit), gives the song a subtle Pixies-esque vibe.
Evocative and considered, the words the songwriter has chosen to use are nostalgic and romantic and seem to make the listener reminisce over days – and indeed memories – that weren’t even theirs. Powerful stuff.
Understated and finely poised, this is a perfect blend of pop perfection and arty attention to detail, and it has produced a uniquely unforgettable rock song.
Velour On Tap is the latest project of Halifax, Nova Scotia-based singer/songwriter and guitarist I.D. Brimacombe – a seasoned veteran who has spent three decades making music across countries and continents. He is ably assisted on this track by the aforementioned MacBeath on BVs, Matt Steele on electric guitar, Devin Fox on bass and lap steel, and Spencer McPhee behind the kit. A dream team if we ever heard one.
Brimacombe has previously plied his trade in Montreal, Lisbon, London, and Chicago before settling on the Atlantic coast. This new project absolutely sounds like the sort of thing one could settle into, too.
Written by Kinda Grizzly
