With A Million Knives, Denver’s The Velveteers return with a sophomore outing that stretches their garage-rock roots into a broader, more adventurous sonic playground. Frontwoman Demi Demitro leads the charge, her leather-edged vocals cutting through a mix of buzzing guitars, layered synths, and a dual-drum assault that gives the album a kinetic, almost cinematic energy. From the very first track, “All These Little Things,” it’s clear the band is intent on making every note hit with precision and flair, balancing raw rock grit with playful experimentation.
The album thrives on contrast. Tracks like “Sweet Little Hearts” combine fuzzy, jagged riffs with unexpected melodic flourishes, while “Bound In Leather” adds a disco-tinged twist that feels both nostalgic and modern. Demitro’s vocal delivery—sometimes gritty, sometimes breathy—anchors the chaos, making even the most sprawling arrangements feel intentional. The collaborative spirit with Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney is evident, particularly on tracks like “Go Fly Away” and “Up Here,” where Black Keys-style grooves meet The Velveteers’ signature urgency.
Even when the album drifts into denser textures, as on the stoner-rock inflected “Moonchild,” or the atmospheric, introspective “Fix Me,” there’s a sense of purpose. The interplay between guitars, synths, and the two drummers creates a layered yet cohesive sound, showcasing a band confident enough to push boundaries while keeping their hooks intact.
While not every experiment lands perfectly—the occasional over-mixed section can feel cluttered—A Million Knives is undeniably a step forward. It’s a record that balances the thrill of live rock with studio sophistication, and highlights The Velveteers’ growing ability to blend grit, melody, and eccentricity into something unmistakably their own. – Jason Felton
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