Melbourne's Velvet Bloom simply shimmer with sultry soul gem, 'Glimmer'
Melbourne’s soulsters, Velvet Bloom release their first music for 2022 with the aptly-titled sultry single, ‘Glimmer’. It follows on from last year’s beckoning soul jam, ‘Run’, and is the second single to be lifted off Velvet Bloom’s forthcoming debut EP of the same name.
‘Glimmer’ is a wonder of a track. The musicianship is almost intimidating, from the controlled smokey croon of front woman Maddy Herbert, through to the layers of jazz influences that are crammed under a soulful blanket. The waltz turn-around at the half-way mark is the fairy dust on an already smooth groove. Everything is restrained, within reason, with the listener knowing full well that any one of these musicians could break the stratosphere with a solo, but that’s the kicker. None of them do. They serve the song, and it is so much better for it.
The track is an ode to motherhood, family and divine femininity. A song about love and loss in equal measure, ‘Glimmer’ oscillates between crescendo odysseys of elongated funk and subdued ebbs of a softly lilting waltz, with a refined sound that is testament to the outfit’s seasoned musicianship. Produced by frontwoman Maddy Herbert, Alex Marko and The Grogans’ Quin Grunden, and mixed by Edvard Hakansson, ‘Glimmer’ is another stunning example of the soaring heights this artist on the rise is destined to reach.
Of the track, Maddy says it came about her relationship with her mother, and how much she inspires her.
“My dad passed away when I was four and the strength that I saw in my mum following this loss helped to shape my entire being. This song is about expressing admiration for the people who you love and making them aware of how special they are. Some people have a major influence on the way you see the world and if that influence is positive - you should hold them close,” she said.
With a voice and energy that emits an earnest, heart stirring warmth, Maddy Herbert is a captivating live performer and a truly commanding frontwoman. Backed by a stellar live band of Alex Marko (Lead Guitar), Anthony Rennick (Bass) Miguel Hutton (Synth and Keys) and Nic Morton (Drums & Percussion) with backing vocals from Quin Grunden and Bridie English, Velvet Bloom have quickly earned their stripes as one of the most exciting additions to Melbourne soul’s bursting frontline. The blossoming outfit will be heading up the East Coast for some long-awaited live shows over the coming months, hitting up Forster, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. Get on board.
Go follow Velvet Bloom on their socials for tour updates, and go check out ‘Glimmer’ which is out now on all streaming platforms.