At first it seems like the subtle retro veneer has been scratched away to reveal a straight up pop band, but on closer inspection Velociraptor are still paying tribute to bygone eras on their debut self-titled album. They’ve just decided to broaden their influences.
Opener Robocop is anthemic pop-rock, brimming with gang vocals, plentiful hooks but no nods to any music written in the mid-century. In fact it’s got a vocal refrain that feels almost like ‘80s Aussie rock. The Right to Call You is a feel good bopper, if not a little insipid lyrically, while Hollywood Teen recalls melodies that could have been penned by Weezer or Pavement. Ramona has that classic sound you feel instantly connected with, like you know the lyrics and the melodic structure on first listen. Monster Mash is ‘80s pop, almost akin to The Stray Cats when they dropped the rockabilly boogie and surrendered to the context of the era they were making music in.
Leeches feels like the Smiths meets Madness in a display of British new-wave pop. One Last Serenade is summery, carefree and reminiscent of ‘60s girl groups. The doo-wop leanings continue on I Don’t Know Why – a tune you sing while doing the dishes and remembering the romance of the night before. Cool Baby Cool is bubble gum pop featuring a blistering Chuck Berry style solo.
Velociraptor write infectious songs, they’ve got a good grasp on popular music of the last six decades and they access this knowledge bank whenever they feel the need. Whatever era happens to take their fancy, Velociraptor manage to weave their trademarks into each song effectively. The end result is an album that is varied and ridiculously catchy.
BY KRYSTAL MAYNARD
Best Track: Leeches
If You Like This, You’ll Like These: BIG STAR, NICK LOWE, WEEZER, TEENAGE FANCLUB
In A Word: Earworm
