Beats over Supper; Velvet Echoes
A track recently caught our attention that breathes fresh-air into the instrumental beats space. Patiotic Records recently released a very special compilation on vinyl, entitled A Dinner with Patiotic Records, Vol. 2. The artists featured on the tape were a part of something grand, as they had the distinct pleasure of having their beats pressed on vinyl and delivered to listeners in a tangible way; a medium for releasing music which isn’t as prevalent or common as it once was.
The track we’re focused on today is the album’s closing track; Velvet Echoes. This intriguing soundscape, produced by Ornella Corradengo, was the perfect way to close out the record, as it weaves a delicate balance between warmth and melancholy. Velvet Echoes begins with an ethereal ambient drone that sounds far away, as if it were resonating throughout a great canyon. Delightful e-pianos target a beautiful chord progression in the lower tessiture to provide our ears with the harmonic glue of the tune. Melodic elements begin to automate in, giving us a subtle sampling of the the track’s upcoming vibe and aura. Chillhop drums are previewed prior to the track’s full arrival point. Eventually, the track drops into a sonic combination of all it’s elements, made complete by a super catchy lead guitar melody, paired with a countered piano top line. The introduction of the dreamy electric guitar melody elevates the piece, adding a touch of wistful longing. The two melodic voices dance back and forth in a call-and-response fashion, giving melodic variety and substance. The dreamy guitar lines, with their clean, reverberated tones, glide effortlessly over the synth backdrop, creating moments of sublime beauty. Gentle drums provide a heartbeat to the piece, a subtle rhythm that propels the music forward without disturbing its peaceful essence. The keyboard line has a detuned, saturated feeling of vintage warmth, a common effect found in lofi music. The arrangement of Velvet Echoes is both tasteful and pleasant; never allowing the listening journey to become stagnant. The elements flow into each other beautifully, and the track always maintains a sense of forwardness and evolution.
Enjoy a live performance sample below:
Ornella Corradengo is no stranger to the lofi community; with recent label releases, compilation features (Chill Moon, Patiotic) and independent releases, Ornella shows no sign of slowing down her artistic output. Her sound can be recognized by signature elements such as spacey synth patches, smooth guitar licks, subtle bass progressions and gentle drums. The careful balance between rhythm and melody in Velvet Echoes showcases Corradengo's skill in crafting instrumental music that speaks directly to the soul. Ultimately, "Velvet Echoes" stands out for its ability to transport the listener to a place of introspection and calm.
You can enjoy Velvet Echoes, alongside the rest of the A Dinner With Patiotic Records Vol. 2 lineup HERE.
