Velocity Girl
UltraCopacetic (Copacetic Remixed And Expanded)
Sub Pop Records [2024]
Released: February 2, 1993/Reissue: August 16, 2024
Producer: Bob Weston
Length: 45:25/Reissue: 1:17:00
Formed in 1989 at the University of Maryland, Velocity Girl emerged from the Washington, DC area with a mix of British-influenced noise and American indie rock. Their early success led them to sign with Sub Pop in the early 1990s. Velocity Girl’s sound blends the catchy melodies of Britpop with the distorted, guitar-driven energy of shoegaze. The music often juxtaposes pop sensibilities with a rougher indie edge, creating a dynamic mix.
Velocity Girl’s Copacetic was and is a gem in the ’90s indie-rock scene, combining the catchy charm of Britpop with the gritty fuzz of shoegaze. The band effortlessly blends sweet melodies with noisy guitars, creating a sound that’s both nostalgic and fresh. Tracks like “Audrey’s Eyes” and “Pop Loser” capture the energy and emotion of an era when indie rock was defining itself. With its mix of pop hooks and raw edges, Copacetic is a must-listen for anyone who loves the blend of melody and noise that made the ’90s so unforgettable.
UltraCopacetic revisits and reimagines Velocity Girl’s debut album, Copacetic, with a fresh mix and additional tracks. This release seeks to capture the band’s original vision for the album, blending pop hooks, fuzzy guitars, and cohesive song flow. The updated edition includes a full album of bonus tracks, unreleased material, and a Peel Session. Well worth a revisit or a new spin for the younger readers out there!
SINGLES: “Audrey’s Eyes” / “Pop Loser” / “Living Well”
DEEP CUTS: Tracks like “Pretty Sister” and “Here Comes” offer a deeper look into the band’s more experimental side, contrasting with the album’s pop-driven singles.
ARTISTS WITH SIMILAR FIRE: Black Tambourine / Lush / Teenage Fanclub
INTERESTING FACT: The band signed their contract with Sub Pop on the hood of a car in Hoboken, New Jersey, symbolizing their scrappy, DIY spirit.
WHAT HAS VELOCITY GIRL BEEN UP TO?: The band members have pursued various projects since Velocity Girl disbanded. Starry Eyes was a short-lived band with Velocity Girl members Sarah Shannon, Kelly Riles, and Jim Spellman that released an EP in 1997. Other members included former members of Velocity Girl and Shades Apart. The Saturday People was formed by Velocity Girl’s Archie Moore and Terry Banks of Tree Fort Angst. Heartworms was a side project of Moore’s that existed before Velocity Girl broke up. Julie Ocean is a now-defunct Washington, D.C. power-pop band where Jim Spellman played guitar. Spellman is now a CGTN correspondent. The Not-Its! is a children’s music rock band with vocalist Sarah Shannon. Shannon also released two solo albums, Sarah Shannon in 2002 and City Morning Song in 2007.
VELOCITY GIRL LINKS
Instagram | Bandcamp | Sub Pop Records
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