The Velveteen Orkestra •HASTINGS•

We return to The Jenny Lind. Free entry show from 4pm to 6pm.

The Velveteen Orkestra has the ability to make audiences swoon while, at the same time, casting forth an air of unease with their intoxicating hybrid of rich romanticism and brutal intensity. Embodying essences of European folk and Americana with nodding acquaintances to Neil Young, Nick Cave, Tom Waits and Radiohead, their sound can gently pluck at your heartstrings while, at the same time, delicately slipping them around your neck.

The Velveteen Orkestra are a ragged-trousered rock and roll orchestra conceived in a leaky, shadow-veiled district of South London. Bellowing out from underneath the grey brutalist tower blocks named in honour of romantic poets is a sound that is both savage, yet elegant… animal, yet noble… honest, yet fantastical.

Their pulsating live shows are attracting audiences for their rich romanticism and brooding intensity, as well as their sparkling sense of humour. Lead Singer/Guitarist Dan Shears emits a gilt-edged voice from a spindle-limbed frame, evoking memories of Jeff Buckley at his heart-aching best.

“With a songwriting gift that belies his tender years, haunted troubadour Shears strides into town evoking seasoned greats like Cave and Cohen” – ANDY COWN, MUSIC WEEK & MOJO

“Dressed Up in Sables is phenomenal. It’s indie/folk with a twist… we’re entranced” – IMPOSE MAGAZINE

“Stellar musicians and Dan’s spectral vocals only made them more unique” – BRIGHTON’S FINEST

“Dan Shears has an incredibly wide vocal range with a gorgeous poetic quality, combined with an engaging, sharp wit and cockney charm. His voice evokes memories of artists as diverse as Nick Cave, Morrissey, Frankie Valli and Roy Orbison amongst others. The band is set to make an indelible mark on the British music scene” – CHOICE FM ONLINE

“The venue had filled up by the time The Velveteen Orkestra took to the stage and it soon became clear why. They had frenetic, flamboyant, gypsy folk style reminiscent of Holy Moly & The Crackers, but with darker undertones.” – MUSIC CLOSE UP