Lap steel guitar progressive metal band Velocihamster have updated the Pink Floyd classic Money. Band leader Sean Williamson made extensive use his new toy, the Tap-a-Whirl V4 Analog Tap Tempo Tremolo Pedal, to create an extra layer of swirling notes, while the rest of the band stays close to the original. Kudos for sax player Aaron Gardener, who did not copy Dick Parry's solo, but went for a more rockin', in-your-face sound.
Covers come in two sizes: replicating the original (the dreaded bands playing weddings and office parties or posing as the real thing in mid-sized venues), and the ones that deconstruct and rebuild the song. Lap steel guitar progressive metal band Velocihamster is firmly ensconced the latter category and offer nine rockers on their new album Uncaged. Some very familiar (Ace of Spades, Frankenstein, Thunderstruck) but also some deep cuts ( Sneaker Pimps’ 6 Underground, Sarah McLachlan’s Possession).
Musician/producer Sean Williamson is dead set on proving that a lap steel can rawk as hard as a conventional guitar. To do so he turned Gratitude (Beastie Boys) and In the Evening into showcases of his dexterity. The familiar Phish live encore Tweezer Reprise is a natural final track for this album that is both a tribute and reinvention of the music that is close to his heart. Using even more drummers than Spinal Tap (thankfully none of them died) to provide a custom made foundation for each track Williamson gives a one-fingered salute to all the copycat musicians who follow the blueprints to make an easy buck and insult serious music lovers.
Velocihamster, the world's only lap steel metal band, have released a new single, Mist. It is a simmering prog excursion, with Sean Williamson playing chopped notes and a wealth of glissandi, proving that with his instrument of choice he can be a guitar hero while sitting down. Recommended if you like The Aristocrats.
Milwaukee, WI based Velocihamster may well be the world's only lap steel guitar progressive metal band. Founded by musician/producer Sean Williamson they put this instrument smack in the middle of the spotlights. And it turns out, it can hold its own amidst the "conventional" guitars that have dominated the genre. By default the steel bar that is used to play the guitar is tailor made to go nuts with glissandi (of which there are plenty). The bass players can follow suit, using fretless instruments.
On their first full-length Balls to the Wall is a breath of fresh air in the instrumental shredders niche. Pyrotechnics and chops never get in the way of throwing down a mean rocker. Williamson can make his lap steel scream and wail (Trap, Fall) as well as whisper and soothe (Baba). With the addition of two covers - a respectful version of Misirlou by the king of surf guitar Dick Dale and the funky Phish track First Tube - a splendid time is guaranteed for all. Recommended if you like The Aristocrats.
Milwaukee, WI based Velocihamster may well be the world's only lap steel metal band. Founded by musician/producer Sean Williamson they fuck up familiar instrumentals in a good way. Their latest single is a cover of the Phish track First Tube: dark, intense, and stripped from the happy overtones of the original.
