VELVET SUN

Velvet Sun is an ongoing project by singer/guitarist/drummer Scott Weinkle. Inspired by the Brian Eno and Phil Manzanara project Quiet Sun, the songs are a hybrid of crunch guitars, pop hooks, sonic distortion and celestial atmospheres.

Weinkle’s new 4 song EP Empire continues the journey first travelled on the 2001 release Dreamhome. Never far from his roots in psychedelia, British invasion and New York noise, Weinkle, who wrote and performed much of Empire, downshifts from the incessant power of rock holding it in reserve, and then unleashing it to knock the cobwebs from our somnambulist trance..

A live version of Velvet Sun was formed after an invitation to the 1999 Independent Music Festival based on the release of Dreamhome. Weinkle was joined on that CD by drummer Tony Mann, bassist Dennis Ambrose and guitarist Kelsey Warren. For Empire, contributors were Eric Gould on keyboards and Marcel Salas on bass.

“Wait is a great song with a fantastic groove; it drives on a robust beat, some gorgeously underplayed vocals from Scott Weinkle and one of those riffs that seem to be doing nothing and yet add everything at the same time. Wrap this in sensational synthy sonics that give it a smooth edge and sophisticated sheen, and you have it all. It is fair to say that Velvet Sun knows precisely what they are doing.”

“Velvet Sun paints a dreamlike rebellion with new EP Empire” – Earmilk

“Wait features jangly guitars atop a contagious rhythm. The feel of the song is quixotic, while the flow presents aspects of dream-pop allied with SoCal folk-rock. The roll and sway of the layered harmonics are wonderfully mesmerizing.” – Ink 19

“A dark and delectably moody rock success from Velvet Sun, Empire immerses with a gripping post-punk pulse and array of melodic guitar/synth interplay.” – Obscure Sound

“Velvet Sun’s Empire highlights their ability to merge beauty with intensity, further solidifying their distinct place in indie rock.” – Tunes Around

empire Reviews