Some Velvet Morning

Some Velvet Morning is a UK alternative rock and indie rock group active since 2007. The line-up consists of Desmond Lambert on vocals and guitar, Gavin Lambert on bass and vocals, and Rob Flanagan on drums and vocals. The band is based in London and is formed by the Lambert brothers with Flanagan.

Formation and style

The band develops around guitar-led rock songs with a strong melodic emphasis, drawing on alternative rock, indie rock and rock. Their sound also reflects influences from 1980s synth-pop, U2’s guitar style, The Cure’s darker period, and artists such as Depeche Mode, The Beatles, Noam Chomsky, Norman Mailer and Cole Porter are cited among the references around the project.

Recordings and releases

The debut album Silence Will Kill You is released in 2007. It includes the singles Settle Down, Losing My Mind, Pretty Girl and Propaganda, as well as the live favourite The Nightshift. The album is produced by Rik Simpson and Mike Pelanconi and is nominated for XFM Album of the Year 2007.

A demo of How To Start A Revolution is used in the international trailer for the film Kick-Ass. Their follow-up album Allies is released in 2012 and features How To Start A Revolution, Don't Think, Control, Resistance and The River. A self-titled EP appears in 2010 and presents a more streamlined version of their sound. A later album, Rough Seas, is also part of their catalogue.

Collaborations, support and recognition

The band receives approval from Nancy Sinatra, after clearing their name with her, and Nona Hendryx and Vicki Wickham later take interest in the group and launch a label for them. Hendryx had previously signed them in an earlier incarnation. Desmond Lambert also works as an engineer for artists including Razorlight and Paolo Nutini, and has worked with John Leckie. The band is said to have celebrity associations including Nancy Sinatra, Paolo Nutini and Razorlight.

Live activity and performances

Some Velvet Morning plays shows in the United States, Thailand and Russia, and also performs festivals in the UK and France. They stage a rooftop performance on the PRS for Music building, following in the footsteps of The Beatles. Their song How To Start A Revolution is played in stadiums and features on sports and football programming on UK television and radio.