A Cinematic, Hypnotic Lull That Quickly Draws You In: LOST VELVET Immerses You In New Release "Dark Cells"

[photo: Lost Velvet]

On paper, a band that describes themselves as a blend of Radiohead and Deftones shouldn't be my thing. Nothing against either band, they just don't speak to me. That said, Reading based duo LOST VELVET have reeled me in with their latest release, "Dark Cells", scratching that itch for atmospheric guitars and eerie undertones.

Straight away, there is a Muse-esque rhythm, and the mood is set instantly. Tom fills push the track forward, trance-like in delivery. It makes for an immersive sound - a cinematic, hypnotic lull that quickly draws you in. Structurally, there's not a lot of variety, but it's not that type of song, trading it instead for immersive atmosphere.

The duo's refined technical edge shines through the track, layering instruments and joint vocals in a way that really emphasises the soundscape on show. The key point here is that atmosphere, which the song delivers on brilliantly.

Music video for "Dark Cells" [cred. Lost Velvet]

A choir of swelling voices signals the end of the track. It feels strangely hopeful. There's a feeling of ascension, floating to the light. Thematically, the duo have described the track as being about transformation amidst a "descent into clarity", and so this part certainly makes sense in this context.

It's a good note to end on, ensuring listeners have been reeled in just enough to anticipate their upcoming album.

"Dark Cells" is out NOW on streaming platforms