The Velvoids and the crystalline impermanence of "While You Shine"

 

"Tones, like drones, are clones and when they're done they'll call me in..."


The older I get and I realize that I have less time on this earth than I have already lived, no not just realize it but feel it, I want more out of the art I consume. When it comes to music specifically, I don't just want to bang on my steering wheel like a drum kit, I just don't want to dance, I want to be transported. I am now tending to look for music that feels like a soundtrack to a movie that I would want to languish in, that would challenge me in some way. 

Listening to "While You Shine" by The Velvoids, an experimental (core) duo formed in Athens, Greece in 2003 and my mind wanders and my heart gets heavy. At certain points as the song seems to dwell on the impermanence of things, of a mind in the void between and trying to grasp onto things. I feel a faint ache in my stomach but I look up and see clouds cascading by and I am ok, will be ok. Whatever the song is about it may (or may not) be holding onto the hopefulness that it is not about ourselves but those others who are reflective, who give off light, not darkness. 

Here are the words:

"Tones, like drones, are clones and when they're done they'll call me in.

Oh dear transparencies or comfort zone, believe me, some rather lock themselves alone while you shine.

I'm sleepless and needless, I don't know if your eyes turn blue or brown, when you come around. If you scream it will I hear it, will those colors get nearer as you're leaving, I won't be grieving while you shine..."

The Velvoids are: 

Vice Lesley: Vocals, Guitars, Bass, Synth

Dorah X: Drums, Piano, Tambourine, Vocals

-Robb Donker Curtius

THE FACTS AS WE KNOW THEM 

https://www.facebook.com/thevelvoids/

https://open.spotify.com/artist/4vlIqV5DOv8sAFzbTpWQj4

https://www.youtube.com/c/ThinkbabymusicCollective

https://www.instagram.com/thevelvoids/

https://music.apple.com/us/artist/the-velvoids/1216725334


The Velvoids are an experimental duo formed in Athens, Greece in 2003. Preferring to create on the spot and record mostly unrehearsed material, their discography consists of numerous albums, EP's, and singles; some of which have yet to be issued in digital format. They’ve shared the stage with names such as Marky Ramone, Murder By Death, David J (Bauhaus), Γιάννης Αγγελάκας, Black Lips, Dum Dum Girls, Pierced Arrows, The Vibrators, and The Brian Jonestown Massacre; while collaborating with Richard Lloyd (Television), artist Brian M. Viveros, and author Nina Antonia.


In 2022, the band remixed/remastered their 2014 full length, 'Polynesia Baby' for an official re-release. SHEEKAN DYE is the first single with accompanying video directed and edited by Haris Raftogiannis, taken from his 2016 short-film documentary 'True Blue', nominated for best documentary film at the Los Angeles Greek Film Festival (LAGFF).