REVIEW

The debut album from New York shoegaze band Velvet.

The album was mastered by Nick Bassett of Whirr. Featuring heavy guitars and sweet, emotive vocals, it focuses on the romantic dynamics between two people in love. #2 “Skin,” featuring Blossom from San Diego, stands out for its rich, reverb-laden sound, while the title track, #8, immerses the listener in a slow-tempo, love-filled atmosphere.

In a scene increasingly dominated by self-punishing or pessimistic lyrics, Velvet’s direct expression of affection feels refreshingly candid. Subsequent singles and EPs suggest further artistic evolution, positioning the band as one of the brightest emerging talents. Collaborations with Blood Pact are also noteworthy, and exploring these releases together is highly recommended.

Notably, the album track “Staring” was later re-released featuring Wisp’s vocalist, though that version was eventually withdrawn; a single featuring Easterlin was released instead. Dedicated Wisp fans may still be able to find the original version on certain video platforms.