London, UK. (Top40 Charts/
Velvet Hearts Official Website) - The
Velvet Hearts new 11-track debut CD - Into the World, receives glowing acclaim from UK music critics ahead of its international release.
The Velvet Hearts released an EP-taster for this debut album back in 2007 and their growing international fan base has been eagerly awaiting the full album release which bears 11 tracks of musical excellence.
In Berkshire, independent music critic David Shimell said "I have heard many new Indie, Rock and Funk bands over the years and this is one of the most exciting as The Velvet Hearts cross the boundaries of each genre and delivers excellence in each one. Their huge set-list is packed with self-written songs that are mature and polished and their energetic live performances have put them amongst the most popular bands on NME.com. Although still unsigned by a major label, their sheer professionalism makes them one of the best UK bands of 2008, putting them in the The Top 100 most listened to bands on YouTube earlier in the year. Every track on their new studio album Into The World, recorded in Detroit, USA is pure quality yet represents a small part of what we know The Velvet Hearts have to offer".
In Worcestershire, Peter J Brown, AKA ToxicPete (www.toxicpete.co.uk) has also previewed the album saying "Into the World by The Velvet Hearts is nothing short of brilliant". He goes on to add, "this is one helluva band, and Into The World is a very special piece of work with everything so beautifully proportioned, solidly structured and magnificently performed….The Velvet Hearts make it hard to find fault anywhere".
When asked about the official release date for the album, John James Newman, lead singer and co-songwriter in the band, said it would be "soon" but refused to be drawn on an exact date, given that music industry previews are still ongoing, so in the meantime we all need to wait a little longer before we can buy what promises to be one of the best albums of 2008.
Singer/Songwriter John James Newman is the son of Marmalade front-man Sandy Newman who enjoyed a string of 13 hits in the 1960s & 70s and are still performing today.
John James, on the back of his superb solo album Little Whispers, joined up with other co-writer and frontman Stevie Jones on keyboards & saxophone who also tours with the Elkie Brooks' band.
Jamie Bruce (Backing Vocals) has supported numerous professional groups over the last 10 years while Lydia Cascarino-Close (Bass), Ollie Richmond-Jones (Drums) and Quest Quinton (Lead Guitar) complete the line up of one of the most promising new bands to emerge from the UK in recent years.
Although difficult to aliken to any other band, their timeless style and impeccable performances attract fans who listen to the likes of Coldplay, Dave Matthews Band, Simply Red, Stevie Wonder, The Beatles, Counting Crows, Oasis, Skynyrd, Chilli Peppers and many others. For more information about the band and links to MySpace, YouTube, Facebook and other sites go to www.thevelvethearts.com. Tour dates are also listed on www.nme.com/gigs
