“Velvet Shade” is the latest composition by R.Mason, an outstanding Canadian indie rock duo. It’s the first single in 2014, serving as an adequate follow-up of “I Live Here Now” and “European Swimsuit,” two excellent songs released last year. Consisting of singer-instrumentalist Rebecca Mason, and guitar player Jonathan Blokmanis, R.Mason combines a singer-songwriter approach with some of the finest properties borrowed from many different but complementary music genres. Perhaps indie rock comes to mind, but don’t be surprised if you stumble upon sonic ingredients taken from shoegaze, soft rock, dream pop, indie pop, etc. R.Mason uses these additional elements as more than necessary enhancements, accentuations, decorations, and other details to uplift their marvelous music while simultaneously remaining loyal to the primary sonic direction. Therefore, these experimentations with different but complementary music styles resulted in a magnificent composition that will appeal to even the pickiest indie rock fans and beyond.
As soon as you press play, you’ll notice how these experienced songwriters and musicians thought about even the tiniest details and nuances while assembling this number. They thoroughly planned the song structure, which arrived with many segments decorated with an entire specter of brilliant ideas and astounding orchestrations. Rebecca Mason’s mesmerizing vocal performance serves as a centerpiece, emphasizing all those segments and instrumentations. The vocal delivery commands attention and guides the listeners by expertly balancing low, mid, and high notes. Her sincere, confident, powerful, and emotive harmonies will immediately enchant you. Jonathan Blokmanis’s guitar works go beyond comprehension throughout the entire song, as his calm, soothing, relaxing, ethereal orchestrations act as an adequate backdrop for Rebecca Mason’s otherwordly vocal articulations. The interplay between rhythm and lead guitars shapes the cathartic ambiance, making this song a pleasant listening experience. You’ll notice how arpeggiated and regular chord progressions resonate on one side, while the other side offers subtle themes, melodies, and harmonies. The generous servings of reverb effect make things even more enjoyable to the ears. Also, it’s good to mention intricate melodies, harmonies, ambiances, and accentuations tastefully performed on piano, which add more depth and complexity to the track.
The duo also thought about the rhythm section, so you’ll hear how the equally complex, vividly hearable, warm-sounding basslines roar right beneath vocal, guitar, and piano layers, offering more than necessary heaviness, clarity, and depth while simultaneously binding all the mentioned orchestrations with drums. The excellent drumming dictates groove and tempo with moderate, well-accentuated beats, breaks, fills, and other percussive acrobatics. R. Mason thought about every vocal, sonic, and rhythmic maneuver, so each instrument plays a significant role in shaping such a rich and luxurious atmosphere. It’s nearly mindblowing how every piece of this music puzzle arrives with such precision and finesse, making “Velvet Shade” such a pleasant listening experience worth repeating over and over again. From Rebecca Mason’s otherwordly vocal harmonies and Jonathan Blokmanis exceptional guitar performance to delicate pianos, intricate basslines, and precise drumming, “Velvet Shade” vividly showcases all the skills and talent of this fascinating indie rock duo. You should put this song on your radar. The single is available on all streaming platforms. Don’t miss it!
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