The Velvet Hands - Caller (AWAL) 
Release Date: Out Now
Regular (and irregular) readers will know of my great love for Cornish rabble-rousers the Velvet Hands so there was some whoopin' and hollerin' in the LWM penthouse when their latest release dropped into my inbox. 'Caller' is a five track physical release which has been out since March but the digital release has just arrived in the world (although minus one track) so now feels like a good time to share it with you. Opening with 'I Don't Care', the band get straight down to business using searing guitars and driving drums recorded in a way that brilliantly captures the band's energy and honest sound. 'I Will Be Free' sees the band embracing a more Strokes inspired sound and you could hear this one on heavy radio rotation if the option to 'take America by storm' ever presents itself. 'British Invasion' mark 3 anyone?
Title track 'Caller' captures a sense of desperation in the vocals, matched only by the highly strung guitars and the repeated line "I wasn't even gonna call you but I probably should". '3 A.M.' is where the digital release ends with the kind of picture painting song that sits neatly alongside the likes of the Jam, Elvis Costello or Squeeze. For those lucky enough to get a physical copy of the EP, the bonus of 'Chick Habit' acts as an encore of sorts, putting me in mind of Hot Hot Heat or the Hives with frantically delivered vocals and guitar groove that gets in to your indie-disco hips. Another superb clutch of songs from a band that will light up the festival circuit yet again this year. You in?
More information: https://www.facebook.com/thevelvethands
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