It was earlier this year that a good friend tuned me into Velvet Rush, an exhilarating quartet from Germany. After just one listen, I succumbed to their invigorating sound. Now, following their March six-track EP, comes the full debut album Trail Of Gold, with none of its contents culled from that earlier release.
Velvet Rush – Trail Of Gold
Release Date: 26 September 2025
Words: Sophie James
Hailing from Hamburg, Velvet Rush comprise formidable vocalist Sandra Lian, guitarist Dennis Henning and a rhythm section of Tom Zeschke and Tim Black on drums and bass, respectively.
Tailing a transient, ethereal introduction, Heart Of Stone ignites with a riff reminiscent of a quickened Girls Got Rhythm. As soon as Sandra enters the fray, one senses her authority. Rhythm she certainly has, but add power, range and projection too. The musical backing is characteristic of all that follows, lacerating guitars urged along by a most pulsating rhythm section.
Give Me Your Lovin’ is a hurtling motorbike chanson d’amour that would provide a perfect accompaniment to one of those iconic riding scenes from CHiPs (showing my age here!). The guitars slash the fleeting scenery as Sandra fervently hollers, “Motorcycle Love!”
Second single Shake That Thing has a more liquid, funkier feel with Tim’s galvanising bass providing the impelling force. As it zips along, it soundtracks a good time and, accentuating that feel, the solo is straight out of the young Mr Young’s playbook.
A busy riff launches into the gallop of the titular lead single Trail Of Gold.
This has the feel of a gig opener in a ‘This is who we are and this is what we do’ kinda way, with Sandra’s larynx loosened sufficiently to revel in her delivery.
While the opening quartet have been most impressive, things are about to go up a notch or two. Thrilled By Rock ‘N’ Roll is a shake yer head ‘n booty, route one rocker as Sandra reaches her highest notes yet.
It’s difficult not to be completely swept away by its speeding effervescence.
“Cos I’ve been thrilled by Rock ‘n’ Roll baby!”
You Can’t Take Away My Love is a change in mood and pace. A trippy guitar intro tips its hat to Zeppers. However, it’s the prominent expressive vocal that negates any further associations. Intensifying as it goes, it ascends into the gregarious swing of the chorus while the eventual solo is Dennis’ November Rain breakout.
The sentiment of a power ballad but without feeling like one, this is such a well-crafted and executed piece.
Normal service is resumed on the spirited carefree Orange Blazed Carpet.
The intro guitar starts a conversation with the listener, which continues as it evolves into one of those ‘Best keep an eye on the Speedo’ driving songs. Sometimes there are fleeting moments in songs that connect with the individual listener; the insistent riff of the pre-gonzo solo breakdown is just such a passage.
Find What You Would Die For develops from a weighty piece of Americana honky-tonk into another balls out rocker. The ascension of the pealing guitar allies the song’s acceleration as it hurtles towards a climactic ending.
If at this stage any further convincing is required, then Live Wild and Free should win over any waverers. It must be the glorious ascending melody combined with its carefree, joyous ‘thrash’ that makes it my favourite.
“I told you from the start I’ve always been a rover.”
The chiming guitar intro of Universe morphs into that driving psychedelic hippy blues that Zep did so well. Assisted in no small part by the solo, this is the kind of song that takes you to a different plane, leaving a most sated sensation on which to conclude.
NB: The rear album cover details another track – Red Moon – in the eighth slot that was not included in the stream provided for review.
In summary, this is a most accomplished, invigorating and nourishing ‘must hear’ debut that takes classic influences, gives them a crystalline modern sheen while losing none of that organic essence.
“With Trail Of Gold, we wanted to create an album that encourages people to live loudly,” Sandra Lian says, “without fear, without compromise. Every song is a piece of freedom.”
Sandra’s outstanding vocal performance, which will win many plaudits, is the icing atop the rich recipe of Dennis’ razor like guitar and a rhythm section that is just so gloriously propulsive. Usually unheralded, it is the kinesis of Tim’s bass, together with his compadre in cadence that urges everything along.
They undoubtedly uphold the old adage of the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, and if this is just the start, Velvet Rush’s potential is truly immeasurable.
I envisage them being an irresistible live force, one hopes that we can soon see for ourselves when a visit to these shores is scheduled.
Velvet Rush – Trail of Gold is out today and is available from https://shop.odyssey-music.net/en/collections/velvet-rush and all good streaming services.
