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EXTENDED PLAY 059: VELVET TRIP | HARMONY BLOOMS | TRACK-BY-TRACK ALBUM REVIEW

Words by Sam and Matilda Elliott.

Over the span of three years, bandmates Zeppelin Hamilton and Clay Allen [Velvet Trip, Sydney] have worked together to create a harmonious suite of sounds that come from many different emotions, settings, and even locations around the globe. We had the chance to listen to the collection of wondrous tracks from Velvet Trip. Here’s our thoughts in ‘bloom’…sorry that was awful!

Moving On 

Moving On is the first track of the album and sets listeners on a palpable and relatable journey, sometimes, growth is hard and scary, but to move on and upwards, it can be necessary. “Sometimes to grow, you have to lose control” is stated gently, as a blissful melodic guitar caresses each word to be carefully placed into listeners' ears. Moving on feels like an incredible reminder of the cathartic, yet potentially scary feeling of just letting go and letting fate steer the ship for a while. 

It’s Only Human 

The range shown within Velvet Trip’s arsenal is already awe-inspiring. It feels a bit like you’re sitting in on some kind of hymn or meditative-like flow, whilst the drum and backbeat bring you to life, keeping you in the present. All in all, a much-needed track. A refreshing reminder of the world we’re in and that we’re only human.

Get You Off My Mind 

The song starting with soft, beautiful and tropical drums immediately sends us into a strange and unique comparison of elevator music, but not in a bad way; in a way you feel so comforted and understood, like you knew this song your whole life. It was there when you took your first steps, learned to ride a bike and so on. Maybe this is the elevator music they play in heaven. 

Silly Boy 

The rise and backbeat on this one instantly got us hooked. Released as a single back in 2023, we already knew and loved this track. Now, being able to listen to the whole release that is Harmony Blooms, we are ecstatic to hear this one play out with its collective of tracks.

Harmony Blooms 

The title track of the incredible collection of tracks. We had very high expectations for this song. We are very much in awe with the sleek and vibrant track. The track transcends a beautiful landscape, blooming into a palpable audio explosion. A perfect title track for the album. 

Strange Love

A bit of a slower, more stripped back song, this one is incredible. Also, as mentioned in our interview with Velvet Trip, Zeppelin said this song was one of his favourites on the whole album. It also features incredible artist, Wiradjuri woman and all round icon, Jasmin. There is even a spoken work part of this song. It feels reflective to us. Probably one of our favourites on the whole album also.

Honest I Do 

A dance across the senses, the perfect harmonies are sure to create goosebumps on the first listen. Surely this isn’t just us? This song feels like an incredible and nostalgic reminder that everything will be ok, and sometimes we all feel a little lost or unsure. It’s ok to slow down, stop and smell the roses. 

Electric Dreams 

Velvet Trip actually released this song prior to this album too, so we’ve had a bit of time to really get comfy with it. The band also did a tour last year titled Electric Dreams, an incredible tour and an incredible song name to match. Beautiful, whimsical tinkling chimes and sweet musings follow this tune. We feel a bit like we’re transcending to dreamland into somewhere pretty whimsical. 

I’ll Follow You

The final song on the album. It creates some great vibes. Slow, melodic beats that just seem to ooze like some kind of molasses keep you swaying physically or mentally. A head massage of a song.

So there you have it! We had such a beautiful experience getting to listen to all the songs in their succession. We implore you to give them a listen too. Maybe go see them live and have a sway and a boogie. You know we will be!

Brooklyn Gibbs