Words By Emily McConochie //

Melbourne based artist Maddy Herbert A.K.A Velvet Bloom has just released a tender expose of soulful femininity with her slow-burning EP, Bitter Sweet.

When Herbert is not performing under Velvet Bloom, you may see her alongside live band The Vito Collective consisting of Anthony Rennick (bassist), Nick Morton (drummer), Alex Marko (lead guitarist). Both Velvet Bloom and The Vito Collective embody the ambient jazz, soul fusion style that compliments Herbert’s moody vocals.

Velvet Bloom brings a sensory style to her sound as triple j’s Nkechu Anele explains, “Velvet Bloom consistently gives me shivers. Her music is enchanting and laidback. It’s always a pleasure finding out what is in store with this artist.” So, it comes with no surprise that Bitter Sweet enacts just this – a skin tingling, daydreamy EP ready to do nothing but leave you swooning.

Opening with ‘Capture’ Herbert fills the space with echoic vocals, soft drumrolls and sweet pleas of love and lust. VB’s ability to narrate a turbulent love story continues with title track ‘Bitter Sweet’, featuring smooth saxophone sections and punchy key’s, the track unfolds with a charming rhythm, ringing true of influences like Jaala, Nora Jones and Amy Winehouse.

To tie up this release, the honey glazed track and accompanying music video ‘Melt’ delivers a mesmerising, shanty-esque sound, beaming with the hopeless feeling of losing love. Velvet Bloom is one to keep your eyes and ears on, if you like what you hear – chuck a like on Facebook for more info on up and coming shows/dates and all that jazz.