Memory is a thickle thing. Essential, yet always fading, it shapes our reality in many ways. Fortunately this was harmless, a little shock to stumble over a record I thought could not exist. Seems I forgot of their history on my previous encounter with The Veldt. Their return fusing Dream Pop and Trap was a passing enjoyment. Its a farcry from Afrodisiac, a record fitting snugly into its era, without seeming remarkable or impactful. So far Its stuck me as the sort of album that just gets lost with the times.
With a lurch of early 90s Alternative Rock and Shoegazing distortions, the group fuse timely over-driven guitars with the sparse echos of Funk Metal groove. Its also a textural experience, sliding into dreamy spaces with glittery acoustics. The occasional fusion of Trip Hop drum loops proves expansive as the record sways between styles. Consistently singer Chavis's bold charismatic voice resembles an 80s ballad singer.
His presence is swell, a delight when the vibe clicks but often it arrives with friction. Its this contrast that all of its elements have in some degree, giving it a sense of "almost genius". The songwriting plays into this, ideas merging from different directions, a lot of material exposes its origins and the union doesn't quite find the apt chemistry.
That being said, its an exploration of ideas that has plenty of engaging moments in its lengthy hour long stay. Heather strikes me as a peak, a broody dark wailer of a song powered along by its Industrial percussive thuds. Ultimately, Afrodisiac strikes me as a clear product of the times, not quite finding a way for its unique overlaps to blossom. That being said, it gave me a sense that continued exposure would grow on me more.
Rating: 6/10