Love Crushed Velvet

"a very tasty appetizer" - 8/10 stars - MyGlobalMind.com

(Interview with A.L.X.) - Woodstock-Towne Lake Patch

"the same feeling as a [Billy] Idol hit...A.L.X. grows out a vocal while the band revs up the BPMs" - Antimusic.com

"the same feeling as a [Billy] Idol hit...A.L.X. grows out a vocal while the band revs up the BPMs" - Antimusic.com

"I swear, some choruses will stick in your head for a long time." - RockReport.be

"I swear, some choruses will stick in your head for a long time." - RockReport.be

"for classic rock fans looking for something that’s at once familiar and fresh" (four-star review by Rebecca Fishbein) - Muzik Reviews

"for classic rock fans looking for something that’s at once familiar and fresh" (four-star review by Rebecca Fishbein) - Muzik Reviews

"Love Crushed Velvet impress and intrigue" --Anna Grabowska - Rock On! Press

"Love Crushed Velvet impress and intrigue" --Anna Grabowska - Rock On! Press

"like a New York mixed punk/glam rock band with influences from both [Billy] Idol and the UK’s punk scene." - Mark Johnson - Music Street Journal

"Love Crushed Velvet is worth exploring." -- Craig Hartranft - Dangerdog

"Love Crushed Velvet is worth exploring." -- Craig Hartranft - Dangerdog

(Download PDF) - Black Velvet Magazine (U.K.)

(Download PDF) - Black Velvet Magazine (U.K.)

"a gleeful bad-boy anthem"... - Jennifer McGillan - Now This Is Sound

English translation:


Love Crushed Velvet, by Love Crushed Velvet
rootstime.be (Belgium)
Review by Freddy Celis
February 2011
(English Translation)

A.L.X. worked for two years in the shadows of the New York underground on this album, which explores a series of personal experiences and emotions that can be found in its often rather dark lyrics, which occasionally have sexual undertones.

The full rock sound on the album was created by A.L.X. with former 'Blondie' guitarist Jimi K. Bones and 'Billy Idol' and 'Joan Jett' drummer Thommy Price, with additional contributions from several guest musicians. Pop, punk, new wave and classic rock combine into a complex web of intertwined sounds and rhythms and create on this album the resounding sound of 'Love Crushed Velvet’.

The album starts with a solid guitar rocker in "Letter", and the tempo is then brought down properly for the melodic "Goodbye Goldblatt", which yearns for an unattainable star on the cover of a glossy magazine. The raw rocking title song "Love Crushed Velvet", however, is just a bit too inspired by good old punk rocker Billy Idol.

A bit further into this album we also hear the song "Famous" (reminiscent of "Iggy Pop & The Stooges"), "Problem Child" (like "Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones), "Burning Embers" and "Willie B" (both in the vein of U2 or INXS), the Lou Reed/Velvet Underground-inspired "Bright Summer” and "Heatwave" (similar to work by Hugh Cornwell and The Stranglers).

While "Love Crushed Velvet" is not necessarily a new or innovative sound by the standards of contemporary music, it is a catchy and highly-professional blending of A.L.X.’s many influences and sources of inspiration.


Original Dutch copy:

Eén van de mooiste groepsnamen die we de laatste jaren mochten horen is afkomstig van de New Yorkse rockgroep ‘Love Crushed Velvet’ die onder dezelfde titel hun debuutplaat op de markt bracht. De grote bezieler van deze groep is zanger en songschrijver A.L.X. die zijn artistieke capaciteiten heeft losgelaten over de tien tracks op deze popplaat vol catchy hooks en gitaarriffs.

A.L.X. werkte gedurende twee jaar in de luwte van de New Yorkse grootstad aan dit album en verzamelde een serie van zijn persoonlijke ervaringen en emoties in de niet zelden vrij donkere songteksten, waarin ook af en toe expliciete, seksueel getinte bewoordingen opduiken.

Het volwaardige rockgeluid op de plaat wordt geproduceerd door A.L.X. samen met ‘Blondie’-gitarist Jimi K. Bones en ‘Billy Idol’ en ‘Joan Jett’-drummer Thommy Price met hier en daar nog wat extra bijdragen van enkele gastmuzikanten. Pop, punk, new wave en klassieke rock worden tot een complex web in elkaar vervlochten en creëren zo het op dit album weerklinkende geluid van ‘Love Crushed Velvet’.
De plaat start met een stevige gitaarrocker in “Letter” waarna het tempo behoorlijk naar beneden wordt gehaald voor het melodieuzere “Goodbye Goldblatt” over een onbereikbaar fotomodel op de cover van een glossy magazine. De rauw rockende titelsong “Love Crushed Velvet” lijkt ons wel net een beetje teveel geënt op iets van ‘good old’ punkrocker Billy Idol.

Wat verder op deze cd horen we ook nog de songs “Famous” (lijkt op ‘Iggy Pop & The Stooges’), “Problem Child” (lijkt op ‘Mick Jagger & The Rolling Stones’), “Burning Embers” en “Willie B” (lijken beiden op iets van ‘U2’ of ‘INXS’), “Bright Summer” (lijkt op iets van ‘Lou Reed & The Velvet Underground’) en “Heatwave” (lijkt op werk van ‘Hugh Cornwell & The Stranglers’).

“Love Crushed Velvet” is dus zeker geen nieuw geluid in de actuele muziekbusiness maar eerder een verzameling van de diverse muzikale voorbeelden en inspiratiebronnen die A.L.X. tot het schrijven van zijn eigen nummers en tot het maken van dit debuutalbum hebben aangezet. Hij levert daarmee wel een zeer professionele productie af, maar al bij al vinden wij dit album toch niet echt vernieuwend.
- Rootstime.be

Click link to hear radio broadcast. Playlist:

1. Love Crushed Velvet
2. Problem Child
3. Love Crushed Velvet (acoustic, live)
4. Letter (acoustic, live)
5. Wishbone (from the album No Eyes for the Future)
6. Goodbye Goldblatt
7. Bright Summer (acoustic, live)
8. Letter - Okerwelle Radio

Click link to hear radio broadcast. Playlist:

1. Love Crushed Velvet
2. Problem Child
3. Love Crushed Velvet (acoustic, live)
4. Letter (acoustic, live)
5. Wishbone (from the album No Eyes for the Future)
6. Goodbye Goldblatt
7. Bright Summer (acoustic, live)
8. Letter - Okerwelle Radio

Interview with Love Crushed Velvet - Screen Pens

Interview with Love Crushed Velvet - Screen Pens

If you haven’t heard of The Q.A.S as of yet you should certainly make a note of it – it’ll soon be the next big event to chalk NYC sidewalks. Like a dinner-bell, Webster Hall called creatives from each of NYC’s 5 burrows, along with a few strays from Jersey and East LI, to feast on…everything art!

It wasn’t just film, it wasn’t just dance, it wasn’t music, nor was it “art” in terms of the vernacular that we use to classify stuff we don’t understand yet must accept as creative. It was all of the above; a menagerie of ideas and expression served to attendants in similar fashion to a wine tasting, including a lack of bias on whether to swish & spit or swallow. I personally stuck to things I could swish & spit; walking in and out of various performances instead of committing myself to any one particular experience, including the tattoo artist conveniently placed by the concession stand.
Though the headliner of the evening was a pre-screening of the upcoming blockbuster film, Burning Daylight, what really caught my eye, and ears were the live bands! Each of them was just incredible: there was no particular style or method to the lineup, but somehow, it didn’t matter and I found myself enjoying even the acts that had styles I wouldn’t find myself listening to regularly. Of all the bands that played that evening, one name really stuck out in my mind: Love Crushed Velvet – a new band fresh to the scene yet made up of industry vets like Thommy Price from Billy Idol, Jimi Bones from Blondie, and Enzo Penizzotto from Joan Jett.

Not surprisingly considering their background, Love Crushed Velvet carried a strong 80s flare in their sound, but had modernelements that kept things new and fresh, resulting in a unique sound all their own. Probably my favorite song of the night was “Letter”, which doesn’t happen to be on their myspace page. But definitely give a listen to Burning Embers – a catchy uptempo ballad that would make a good addition to any Valentines Day mix tape.
Other acts I’d strongly encourage keeping an ear out for include World War – lead by a front woman, Biet Simkin, whose stage presence and sound makes me think “Brooklyn bred Bjork”, Jazzektro – a TRUE 21st century band, and Stoned Fire – a band that makes me want to lol and party all at the same time! Unlike Love Crushed Velvet, who took elements of the 80’s and modernized them, Stoned Fire’s music, style, and appearance is a complete time warp back to the big-hair bands and Glam Rock days of the 1980s. Hearing them live was like sharing my old baby sitter’s headset while listening to her walk-man – certainly a good time to be had.
If the article interested you to check out the next Quarterly Arts Soiree at Webster Hall. I strongly encourage you to keep tabs on their site at www.theqas.com. The show takes place every season, I believe, so there’ll be an Autumn, Summer, Winter, and a Spring Soiree for everyone to enjoy. I’m definitely looking forward to their Winter Soiree in February if they have it. Hope to see you there! - New York Pudding

If you haven’t heard of The Q.A.S as of yet you should certainly make a note of it – it’ll soon be the next big event to chalk NYC sidewalks. Like a dinner-bell, Webster Hall called creatives from each of NYC’s 5 burrows, along with a few strays from Jersey and East LI, to feast on…everything art!

It wasn’t just film, it wasn’t just dance, it wasn’t music, nor was it “art” in terms of the vernacular that we use to classify stuff we don’t understand yet must accept as creative. It was all of the above; a menagerie of ideas and expression served to attendants in similar fashion to a wine tasting, including a lack of bias on whether to swish & spit or swallow. I personally stuck to things I could swish & spit; walking in and out of various performances instead of committing myself to any one particular experience, including the tattoo artist conveniently placed by the concession stand.
Though the headliner of the evening was a pre-screening of the upcoming blockbuster film, Burning Daylight, what really caught my eye, and ears were the live bands! Each of them was just incredible: there was no particular style or method to the lineup, but somehow, it didn’t matter and I found myself enjoying even the acts that had styles I wouldn’t find myself listening to regularly. Of all the bands that played that evening, one name really stuck out in my mind: Love Crushed Velvet – a new band fresh to the scene yet made up of industry vets like Thommy Price from Billy Idol, Jimi Bones from Blondie, and Enzo Penizzotto from Joan Jett.

Not surprisingly considering their background, Love Crushed Velvet carried a strong 80s flare in their sound, but had modernelements that kept things new and fresh, resulting in a unique sound all their own. Probably my favorite song of the night was “Letter”, which doesn’t happen to be on their myspace page. But definitely give a listen to Burning Embers – a catchy uptempo ballad that would make a good addition to any Valentines Day mix tape.
Other acts I’d strongly encourage keeping an ear out for include World War – lead by a front woman, Biet Simkin, whose stage presence and sound makes me think “Brooklyn bred Bjork”, Jazzektro – a TRUE 21st century band, and Stoned Fire – a band that makes me want to lol and party all at the same time! Unlike Love Crushed Velvet, who took elements of the 80’s and modernized them, Stoned Fire’s music, style, and appearance is a complete time warp back to the big-hair bands and Glam Rock days of the 1980s. Hearing them live was like sharing my old baby sitter’s headset while listening to her walk-man – certainly a good time to be had.
If the article interested you to check out the next Quarterly Arts Soiree at Webster Hall. I strongly encourage you to keep tabs on their site at www.theqas.com. The show takes place every season, I believe, so there’ll be an Autumn, Summer, Winter, and a Spring Soiree for everyone to enjoy. I’m definitely looking forward to their Winter Soiree in February if they have it. Hope to see you there! - New York Pudding

The band is Love Crushed Velvet (LCV), their hit single is Love Crushed Velvet, and their debut album is …you guessed it, Love Crushed Velvet. They say repetition of threes help you remember, and that’s good since remembering songs and not remembering the name of the song or band that sings it irritates the hell out of me! LCV plays a resonating combination of 90s rock with 80s pop that speaks to an audience both young and old, and rightfully so. Their songs may remind you of Billy Idol, The Clash, the early days of U2, and the early days of Stone Temple Pilots in later years of the early 1990s.

Led and formed by A.L.X (Songwriter, Lead Vocalist, Guitar), LCV includes Thommy Price (Drums), Jimi Bones (Guitar), Enzo Penizzotto (Bass) and Linda Leseman (Keyboard). These pros have played with some of the hottest bands/acts you’ve ever heard of including: Joan Jett, Billie Idol, Blondie and Greenday.

But LCV definitely took their time in finding their sound before breaking out into the world. Over the next three months, fans can expect to see new music, performance videos and hear additional singles. LCV will also be heavily supporting and promoting their debut album, “Love Crushed Velvet.”

To get updates, news, and general info about LCV, visit www.lovecrushedvelvet.com. Don’t forget to check out the official video for their hit single, “Love Crushed Velvet.”
- New York Pudding

The band is Love Crushed Velvet (LCV), their hit single is Love Crushed Velvet, and their debut album is …you guessed it, Love Crushed Velvet. They say repetition of threes help you remember, and that’s good since remembering songs and not remembering the name of the song or band that sings it irritates the hell out of me! LCV plays a resonating combination of 90s rock with 80s pop that speaks to an audience both young and old, and rightfully so. Their songs may remind you of Billy Idol, The Clash, the early days of U2, and the early days of Stone Temple Pilots in later years of the early 1990s.

Led and formed by A.L.X (Songwriter, Lead Vocalist, Guitar), LCV includes Thommy Price (Drums), Jimi Bones (Guitar), Enzo Penizzotto (Bass) and Linda Leseman (Keyboard). These pros have played with some of the hottest bands/acts you’ve ever heard of including: Joan Jett, Billie Idol, Blondie and Greenday.

But LCV definitely took their time in finding their sound before breaking out into the world. Over the next three months, fans can expect to see new music, performance videos and hear additional singles. LCV will also be heavily supporting and promoting their debut album, “Love Crushed Velvet.”

To get updates, news, and general info about LCV, visit www.lovecrushedvelvet.com. Don’t forget to check out the official video for their hit single, “Love Crushed Velvet.”
- New York Pudding

Please see link to text of article. - BSEplus.de (Germany)

Please see link to text of article. - BSEplus.de (Germany)

Please see link to article on Press tab at LoveCrushedVelvet.com. - Look Magazine (Italy)

Please see link to article on Press tab at LoveCrushedVelvet.com. - Look Magazine (Italy)

Love Crushed Velvet--is that not the coolest band name you've heard in ages? I love it. It's the brainchild of a guy so cool that he only goes by initials--A.L.X. (My best guess is that his name is Alex, but I could be wrong). Anyway, I really like these two songs and am looking forward to the album. The band website says it's coming out this summer, but there's no definite street date yet. I guess you'll have to check back periodically to find out exactly when. - Lost in Your Inbox

Love Crushed Velvet--is that not the coolest band name you've heard in ages? I love it. It's the brainchild of a guy so cool that he only goes by initials--A.L.X. (My best guess is that his name is Alex, but I could be wrong). Anyway, I really like these two songs and am looking forward to the album. The band website says it's coming out this summer, but there's no definite street date yet. I guess you'll have to check back periodically to find out exactly when. - Lost in Your Inbox

Could I just copy the words to The Sun Also Rises, throw in some fresh adjectives and updated references and get it published as the remixed version? Honestly, I’m so tired of remixes. I go through my inbox and see remix after remix after remix. Are you serious? Make your own damned music if you’re so talented. And not to be hateful, but I don’t even care if you disagree.

So, that said, here’s what I found that wasn’t just someone else’s music with a couple of echo effects and a drum loop thrown in: While this mailbox purge is short on my beloved garage punk, there are still a few interesting things here. The first I want to mention is The Emotron. I’m not sure what’s up with this guy. He lights his pubic hair on fire during live performances and claims to be some kind of synth-punk G.G. Allin, a feat I’m sure no one could really pull off. This song, “Drink A Beer for Me,” sounds more like a novelty song than it does anything from G.G.’s catalogue. See what you think.

There are a couple of reggae-type bands represented: 10ft. Tall Ganja Plant (ha! Like you wouldn’t have guess they were reggae!) and Indofin. Both are great for a relaxing on a summer evening.

“Neon for You” comes from My First Earthquake’s just released EP Crush. The disk hearkens back to 80’s pop and is very enjoyable. In a wide-open field, this track is one of my favorites.

As always, follow the links for more information.

My First Earthquake
Indie / Electro / Rock
From: San Francisco, Calif.
Band MySpace
Neon for You.mp3

10ft. Ganja Plant
Reggae / Dub / Roots Music
From: Brooklyn, N.Y.
Band MySpace
Bonny & Clyde.mp3

Love Crushed Velvet
Rock / Alternative / Pop
From: New York, N.Y.
Band MySpace
Love Crushed Velvet.mp3

Electric Tickle Machine
Indie / Alternative
From: East Village, N.Y.
Band MySpace
Honest Injun.mp3

Joy Ike
Indie / Soul / Pop
From: Pittsburgh, Penn.
Band MySpace
Sweeter.mp3

Indofin
Reggae / Ska / Punk
From: Austin, Texas
Band MySpace
Bluelight.mp3

Imagine Dragons
Indie / Pop / Rock
From: Las Vegas, Nev.
Band MySpace
Selene.mp3

Upstation
Pop / Indie
From: Moscow, Russian Federation
Band MySpace
No More Promises.mp3

The Emotron
Punk / Rock / New Wave
From: West Fuckin’ Philly/Georgia/Pennsylvania
Band MySpace
Drink a Beer for Me.mp3

Eagle Winged Palace
Acoustic / Indie / Classical
From: The Deepest Darkest Corners of California
Band MySpace
Movin’ on to Avalon.mp3

~~~~~
(pictures, top-to-bottom: My First Earthquake, Joy Ike, The Emotron)
- Licorice Pizza