Codeine Velvet Club : 'Codeine Velvet Club'
Released: 28th December 2009
Label: Island Records
Bringing a slice of 1950's glitz and glam to the 21st Century, new act Codeine Velvet Club manage to encompass the feel of the era in more than name alone with their eponymous debut album. Comprised of Fratelli's frontman Jon Lawler and solo artist Lou Hickey, it seems they have certainly done their research on a genre that will no doubt have a select audience.
Or will it? Despite encompassing an era often ignored in modern popular music, Codeine Velvet Club have managed to take the best elements and give them a fresh appearance. Opener “Hollywood” is a rhythmical, jaunty number that would not look out of place blaring out of a Cadillac radio on Sunset Boulevard in the fifties, yet Lawler and Hickey's unique vocals add a suitably modern touch. Without the rich tone of the crooners of that decade, their supple but powerful voices carry the melody perfectly whilst creating that intriguing contrast.
Far from being all about big bands and swing, the duo are dedicated to exploring all avenues of the era. “Time” is a stripped down, mariachi infused number, bristling with guitar undertones and brash trumpets. An electric guitar drops yet another assortment of influences into the mix, resulting in a seriously well rounded sound. In turn “Little Sister” proves to be a genuinely impressive jazz number, swaggering along with muted jazz and a choppy 2/2 drumbeat holding all together. Once again Lawler and Hickey are in superb form, their vocals forming a complimentary duet with their contrasting tones working in harmony.
What is so impressive about the album is the duo's evident understanding of a musical era with no chance of a cop out. Far from having a bash at some retro tunes, Lawler and Hickey clearly know the genre's inside out, turning Codeine Velvet Club into a respectful homage rather than a cringe-worthy impersonation. This is perfectly summed up with “Vanity Kills”, a brash big band number that twinkles with the glamour of the era. With a punchy melody and staccato brass the stage is set for the vocals, and they succeed with a swagger.
Amongst the wealth of instruments, accomplished vocals and varying influences of Codeine Velvet Club, it is extraordinarily easy to picture the scene that the music has so skilfully painted, and it is this that makes the album such a success. By throwing themselves into the music and bringing an era back to life, Codeine Velvet Club have brought to life music often overlooked and given it a dusting off, as well as a unique twist.
Words: Dan Grose
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