Olympia, WA’s Some Velvet Sidewalk came up at the same time as Beat Happening and both were part of the sludgy, lo-fi “love-rock” indie scene there as well as being signed to K Records. Led by Al Larsen, SVS had a revolving membership in its 10-year run (1987-1997), including Bikini Kill drummer Tobi Vail, and made six albums before disbanding. Kurt Cobain was fan.
Al Larsen and longtime drummer Don Blair have reactivated Some Velvet Sidewalk, and with the help of a few different bassists recorded their first album in 29 years, Critters Encore, which will be out June 26 via K. The first single from the album is “Don’t Fuck With Your Luck,” a loose and ragged number that has them proudly still waving that DIY flag. Listen below and watch the video here.
Some Velvet Sidewalk just wrapped up a week of Northeast shows, including Union Pool in Brooklyn on Sunday. Hopefully they’ll be back soon.
Critters Encore
1. Don’t Fuck With Your Luck 02:31 video
2. Walking/Falling
3. So Be It Bro
4. Rabbits Running
5. Howwling
6. Is Damaged
7. Snow (live)
8. Critters Encore
9. Velvet Rabbit Portal
10. This Minute