Is Bliss - Velvet Dreams
by Anthony Strutt
published: 22 / 12 / 2016
Label:
Club AC30
Format: 12"
intro
Blissed out shoegaze/psychedelia on debut 12 inch vinyl only EP from Portsmouth-based band Is Bliss
'Velvet Dreams' is the debut EP from Portsmouth-based three-piece Is Bliss who really work for me. They take the magic of shoegaze bands and then throw some psychedelia into the mix. Released on 12 inch in a combination of splattered clear/blue vinyl, it sold out instantly. It opens with 'Morning Sun', which hypnotises me to the bone with its jangle in the same way that Slowdive have done to me in the past. 'Realise' has the instant charm of 4AD Records and their signing Lush. Jimmy Stuart's vocals melt almost in a Cocteau Twins way that is mystical and magical. 'Truth' is deeper and, more like Stoner rock, as moody as The Cure's darker moments. 'Ocean Blue' opens the B-side and goes back to jangle with hip bass and solid drum work while the vocals swim in and outside of its grooves. 'Lure' ends the EP, and is seductive and charming again in a Lush/Slowdive manner. A beautiful record to look at and a feast for the ears.
Track Listing:-
1 Morning Sun2 Realise
3 Truth
4 Ocean Blue
5 Lure
Band Links:-
https://en-gb.facebook.com/isblissband/https://twitter.com/isblissuk
Label Links:-
http://store.clubac30.com/https://www.facebook.com/clubac30
https://twitter.com/clubac30
most viewed articles
current edition
In Dreams Begin Responsibilities - #15- On Being Dignified and Old aka Ten Tips From Jah Wobble On How To Be Happy.Dennis Tufano - Copernicus Center, Chicago, 19/7/2024
Elliott Murphy - Interview
Wreckless Eric - Interview
In Dreams Begin Responsibilities - #16: Living in the Minds of Strangers
In Dreams Begin Responsibilities - #17: Tom Robinson
Adrian Gurvitz - Interview
Norman Rodger - Interview
Chris Spedding - Interview
Penumbra - Interview
most viewed reviews
current edition
Groovy Uncle - Making ExcusesPhilip Parfitt - The Dark Light
Jules Winchester - The Journey
Deep Purple - =1
Bill Wyman - Drive My Car
Ross Couper Band - The Homeroad
Hawkestrel - Chaos Rocks
John Murry and Michael Timmins - A Little Bit of Grace and Decay
Popstar - Obscene
Splashgirl and Robert Aiki Aubrey Lowe - More Human
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart