Photo by Emily Gualdoni
With her full-length solo debut album, Velella Velella, Brittany Bindrim — a stalwart of Chicago’s darkwave scene—whisks us away into a realm where avant-garde musicality intersects with deep, introspective narratives. Collaborating with the illustrious Matt McJunkins, whose production prowess is evident across a spectrum of genre-defining acts like A Perfect Circle and Eagles of Death Metal, Bindrim crafts a record that’s as eclectic as it is profound. Velella Velella is a testament to Bindrim’s relentless pursuit of pushing the boundaries, crafting a cohesive palette of sound whose dynamic range stretches from the introspective whispers of balladry to the pulsating rhythms of dance anthems.
Velella Velella showcases not only the diversity of Bindrim’s portfolio and her broad artistic talent but also the evolution of her creativity. In her music, Bindrim addresses both personal change and broader societal issues, engaging with contemporary sociopolitical topics and exploring complex aspects of the human psyche. Her lyrics cover a variety of themes, from self-awareness and the balance of empathy and indifference to the harsh reality of disillusionment and the ongoing process of personal growth. This mix of introspection and social commentary in her music offers a profound look at both individual experiences and broader human conditions.
As, Bindrim explains, the songwriting process of each song on the album varied from track to track. “Some songs were spawned from a vocal or lyrical idea, and on a few tracks a synth melody and vocal were first written together all at once,” she says. “In the end, I didn’t try to force ideas or over-think things, so each song on the album developed very naturally and instinctively.”
Velella Velella opens with Obelisk, a more experimental realm for Bindrim, showcasing her versatility and willingness to push the boundaries of her artistic expression. Obelisk distinguishes itself with its forceful, edgy undertones, characterized by unyielding beats and the stark resonance of harsh synthesizers.
“Lyrically, Obelisk explores themes of tribalism, political divides, collective trauma, and surrendering to peace,” Bindrim says. “…I had previously written a lyrical seedling that was close to what ended up in the chorus lines, which I thought fit perfectly and helped spawn the rest of the lyrics in conjunction with the harder, marching energy of music.”
Cast strides in with its array of erratic beats and unconventional time signatures, setting an intriguing stage. Against this backdrop, Bindrim’s ethereal vocals weave through, adding a layer of depth and mystery. Just as you settle into the rhythm’s complexity, the track makes a sudden shift, diving into a killer hook. It’s a clever mix of the unexpected and the irresistible.
The spellbinding One Fixed Point blends dreamy vibes with a touch of darkness, sure to sweep you off your feet as the lyrics delve deep into the whirlpool of intense infatuation and the magical discovery of a perfect match.
“One Fixed Point…is a dark, dreamy love song about finding one’s counterpoint,” Bindrim explains. “The track aims to capture the pinnacle of intoxicating infatuation and bliss – that ephemeral moment where one becomes entangled in the sublime joy of immersing oneself in another. It explores that delicate balance between losing yourself in the intensity of the shared moment and discovering a heightened sense of completeness.”
Fever Dreams ventures into the realm of pure synthpop, set to an anthemic backbeat that instantly grabs attention. The track features gorgeous synth pads that shimmer, casting a spell over listeners with their radiance. Beneath these sparkling sounds, a tense bassline adds a compelling contrast, infusing the track with a sense of urgency that underpins the floating melodies.
In Hearsay, Bindrim draws inspiration from the likes of Zola Jesus, delivering a compelling performance that commands attention. Her vocals powerfully incant the lyrics, each word imbued with emotion and intensity, set against the raw backdrop of a buzzy synth bassline. This blend of forceful vocal delivery and the edgy energy of the synth creates a dynamic contrast.
The Well takes a darker turn with an opener that could easily be mistaken for the soundtrack of a suspenseful thriller. It channels the cinematic mastery of John Carpenter and the innovative soundscapes of John Foxx, creating an ambiance that’s both ominous and hypnotizing. The intro sets a tone that’s thick with anticipation, weaving a spell of mystery and foreboding.
In Fast, the stage is dramatically set with the pulsating rhythm of tribal drums, the whirring of helicopters, and the unsettling whispers of eerie synths, crafting an atmosphere ripe with tension and anticipation. This primal and otherworldly introduction lays the perfect groundwork for Brittany Bindrim’s vocal prowess to take the spotlight. Volcano evokes the same kind of dark, mesmerizing allure of NIN and Siouxsie and the Banshees; a bridge between industrial and gothic, between raw energy and refined artistry. The industrial elements form the backbone of the track, providing a relentless drive. Next, Currents flows with a melancholic melody, bolstered by a frenetic techno backbeat.
As the album draws to a close, Atlas emerges as a poignant finale, offering a moment of reflection amid the diverse array of sounds that preceded it. This ballad is characterized by its sparse piano arrangement, which echoes the haunting beauty found in Zola Jesus’s work, creating a deep, resonant connection through its simplicity and emotional depth. The inclusion of gently soaring choral elements adds a layer of ethereal grace to the track, elevating the overall experience to something transcendent. These choral touches guide the listener through the song, providing a comforting sense of ascension and release.
From beginning to end, Velella Velella stands out as a compelling work of dark electronic pop, encapsulating a range of themes from personal evolution to societal commentary. Through its varied musical landscapes and deep lyrical content, Bindrim’s creation surpasses genre confines, offering a nuanced reflection on contemporary life and showcasing her multifaceted artistic depth.
Velella Velella is out now via Metropolis Records.
Listen to the album below, and order here.
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