The Juggernaut

Initially, Velvet's sophomore set, Juggernaut, sounds deceptively simple, comprising a dozen pop/rockers that run the gamut from dreamy and breezy to punchy, a duplicity compounded by the set's understated production. But listen again, and the complexity of the band's sound, their subtle diversity of style, and their excellent musicianship begins to come into sharper focus. Take the opening track, "This Is for You," which starts out as an Elastica-styled staccato song; but then one notices the driving R&B bass riff, the splash of gothic guitar lead, and the chiming guitar that eventually bursts forth in all its glory.

Velvet excel at these subtle twists and unexpected turns, transmuting familiar styles and sounds right under your ears. "Girl Fan," for instance, echoes with the lush new romantic atmosphere of the Passions' "I'm in Love With a German Film Star," but intertwines a sharp rhythm and an elegant, big rock guitar solo that turns the song on its head. An even more straightforward number like the Southern rocker "Cracker" embeds some surprises, including a delightful splash of punk and a clapping new wave rhythm. "Monika" goes the opposite direction, dousing a punk rocker with Southern rock elements. Then there's "Bossa Nova Robot," which isn't really a bossa nova, but definitely has a Spanish flair, a decided Southern styling, and an indie rock flavor. "No One Here" is pinned precisely between two genres, post-punk and new wave, capturing that brief moment in time when the former evolved into the distinctive latter. Velvet can easily pull off these sleights of hand because, although they're a trio (buttressed for this album by a second drummer/percussionist, and a guest singer and electric guitarist), members Jay Manley and Jane Francis are multi- instrumentalists, and continually layer a variety of keyboards, guitars and percussion into the stylistic mix. The moods shift from the bright-as-a-summer-day "Winner" across the moody title track, which doubles as a flawless showcase for Francis' exquisite vocals, and the emotive "Something My Brother Said," which does the same for Manley. Lyrically too, the trio have moved to another level, and although thwarted romances still remain in their repertoire, now the band also tackle more controversial subjects. The result is quite extraordinary, a fabulous album that demands multiple plays.