I did wonder what direction Black Velvet Butterfly would take next.
After their first single Oh My Goth (O.M.G.), a faithful homage to 80’s goth rock, there were two ways they could have gone with the follow up;
- treading the same ground, staying within the traditional aesthetic, and establishing themselves as a goth-revival band,
- or diversifying their portfolio, and presenting their interpretation of some of the newer iterations of goth rock. You know, Manson and stuff.
Eager to prove they’re no one trick pony (or five trick considering the artist’s back catalogue), BVB has taken the second path.
Their new single White Lady is a Ghost-tinged ballad, theatrical in its execution, like any Ghost song is. Heavier in tone, but lighter in soul than the last track, this single is every bit as addictive. Vocals are on point. Production is professional. Riffage is strong. The air raid sound effect is a nice touch too.
Here’s an artist that’s put the work in. Their research into the goth genre shows. Their passion for creation is proven. Their proficiency is evident. Their future is certain; they’re destined for obscurity. The people that should be hearing this probably won’t, and the people that do probably won’t get it. Such is the life of any self-producing tortured artist, and such is the allure of goth rock. For me at least.
Ok. There are three ways BVB could have gone. They could have finally listened to the haters and quit while they were ahead. But if there’s one thing we know about the artist-presently-known-as-BVB, it’s that they’re not one roll over and take the negativity. That’s a good skill to have, considering the often elitist, always overlooked sub-genre he’s chosen to inhabit.
While I prefer the first single, if only due to my traditionalist tastes, White Lady is still a strong sophomore effort. Let’s see where the follow up sits. Five of five stars.
Dark Rock from Auckland. Influenced by Type O Negative, Ghost, Marilyn Manson, Tool, David Bowie, Gary Numan, Nine Inch Nails, Blutengel, Chris Pohl and A Perfect Circle.