Mark Velvet – Closer (Album Review)
Mark Velvet – Closer (Album Review)
Written By: Dan Eachus
Release Date: May 16, 2025
Genre: Electronic / Synthwave
Introduction
Emerging as a potent force in both synthwave and modern rock, Mark Velvet makes a striking debut with Closer, a bold and energetic album that blends cinematic synth textures with raw guitar-driven intensity. His mastery of both worlds is especially impressive given he performs all vocals and instruments himself . With eleven original tracks (plus a reimagined version of the title track), Closer is an anthemic journey that stakes Velvet’s claim as a fresh, versatile voice in the retro-futuristic music landscape.
1. “Redline” (4:15)
Originally released as Velvet’s debut single in July 2023, “Redline” sets the tone with deep synth stabs, pounding drums, and melodic arpeggio overlays. The music complements the vocals perfectly. The guitar solo in the bridge nails the overall energy of the track. It channels the urge to push boundaries—racing through soundscapes with visceral intensity—while maintaining a sense of uplifting euphoria. This opening track nails the balance between nostalgia-laden synthwave and driving rock, announcing the album’s dual-natured identity from the first note. A great start to a great album.
2. “Everyday Hero” (3:34)
Following the explosive opener, “Everyday Hero” distills cinematic inspiration into a tight, 3½-minute anthem. Crunchy bass, synth stabs and punchy percussion behind lyrical themes of ordinary courage and hope. The chorus soars with a big, arena-ready hook—classic synthwave emotion with modern rock swagger—establishing Velvet’s signature melodic voice early on. A solid track.
3. “Sacred Fire” (3:36)
Here Velvet turns up the intensity. “Sacred Fire” burns with aggressive guitar riffing and an acoustic rock drum kit, grounded by a rhythm section that commands attention. It’s a fervent rocker wrapped in neon-lit tones, with lyrical arcs that evoke both inner turmoil and transformative release. Vocals that transform back and forth between soft whispers and almost screaming, and operatic, leads to a dynamic deliver of the message of the story. This track shows Velvet can deliver not just melodic sweetness but also muscular grit. This one got me going and I loved it.
4. “Together / Tonight” (4:37)
Co-written with Aleksei Zotov, this previously-released single layers emotional depth atop musical sophistication . Its signature dual-guitar leads and lush choruses evoke longing and unity, while rhythmic synth pulses drive a relentless forward momentum. Velvet’s vocal performance is especially compelling here—delicate in verse but assured and melodic in the chorus, creating a dynamic emotional swirl. A wonderful track.
5. “Closer” (4:10)
The centerpiece title track is a standout synth-rock ballad. Driven by smoldering bass synths and warm guitar tones, it builds gradually toward a cathartic chorus anthem. Lyrically intimate yet powerful at the same time, Velvet wraps personal yearning in power ballad rock soundscapes—synth leads sparkle above a rock-solid groove. It’s a perfect embodiment of the album’s theme: forging connections through time, space, and nostalgia. This track’s power lies in its emotional resonance and sonic maturity. A fantastic track all around.
6. “Rocketeer” (4:25)
Opening with the launch of a weapon, “Rocketeer” kicks off with retro-futuristic synth lines and fast-paced drum programming. The song channels the antiwar message of the lyrics with Velvet’s vocal delivery that is more urgent here, matched by soaring guitar breaks. It recalls ’80s epic rock drama without lapsing into the traditional cliché, while combining trajectory-driven energy with heartfelt songwriting. Rocketeer really rocks.
7. “Andromeda Blues” (3:47)
Taking a more pure rock turn, “Andromeda Blues” cranks the album into high gear, with Velvet’s soaring vocals and guitar to match. A pure rock drum kit accompanies his vocals and guitar licks, classic of 80’s hair metal rock. As an 80’s hair metal bands fan, I appreciate the nostalgia while also bringing in vocal styles of today’s rock music. Synth stabs round on the bridge and provide great movement with this song. Fantastic blend of rock and synth.
8. “Stars” (3:45)
With “Stars,” Velvet returns to the synthwave and rock hybridization. A deep synth bassline combined with pads and acoustic drums, once again accompany Velvet’s vocals. Guitar flourishes and riveting solo add a rock polish without detracting from its deep synth core. It’s deep, soaring, and feels made for those perfect moment meant for that hard core anthem to a movie.
9. “Missing You” (3:03)
Clocking in at just over three minutes, “Missing You” serves as a romantic yet compact heartbreak anthem. Velvet strips back instrumentation in the verses while letting his voice take center stage in this ballad. The song is straightforward and effective—no filler, just emotional clarity wrapped in bold sonic hooks.
10. “Mind’s Pleasures” (5:35)
Recently released as a final pre-album single, this track is Velvet’s most psychedelic venture . It expands into extended synth-rock territory, with hypnotic grooves, melodic guitar leads, and swells of atmospheric pads. Over five minutes, it builds gradually, indulging in textural journeys that feel both introspective and jubilant. “Mind’s Pleasures” shows Velvet’s willingness to stretch beyond pop form artistry—ambitious and immersive. Velvet’s vocals soar in this track, really stretching his singing prowess…amazing.
11. “Closer (Night Drive Version)” (5:12)
Closing the album with a reinterpretation of the title track, Velvet invites listeners to re-enter the sonic world through a slower, darker, moodier lens. Power synth stabs along with light arpeggios and even a gong lend to this amazing track. Perfect for getting behind the wheel of your car, setting out on that long drive home, with nothing but the road in front of you, alone with your thoughts. Ideal for after-hours reflection. A stunning guitar solo towards the end buts a nice bow on this track and the entire arrangement. A perfect ending to a well put together album.
Bonus Material (CD Edition)
Although not directly on the standard album, the limited CD edition includes Velvet’s striking covers of David Bowie’s “Space Oddity” (April 2024) skyqode.bandcamp.com and Kavinsky’s “Nightcall” (October 2023). These reinterpretations deepen Velvet’s artistic profile—”Space Oddity” brings cinematic melancholy, while “Nightcall” adds nostalgic nocturne flavors—showing he’s adept at reimagining iconic tracks with his own synthwave-rock hybrid voice.
Themes, Sound, and Artistic Vision
At its core, Closer is an artifact of modern nostalgia: Velvet synthesizes retro synthwave tropes—from arpeggiated leads and gated drums to neon-tinged tonality—with current rock production, including guitar solos, real drums, and lyrical delivery rooted in authenticity. His vocals range from emotive balladry to powerful rock choruses, showcasing versatility and confidence.
Lyrically, the album traverses themes of connection, heroism, longing, and introspection. Despite the futuristic sheen, the songs remain anchored in personal sentiment—a blend of outer-space imagery and intimate emotion.
Conclusion
With Closer, Mark Velvet stakes his claim as a major emerging talent in the synthwave-rock crossover space. The album is full of melodic hooks, nostalgic textures, and production polish, anchored by emotional sincerity and instrumental fluency. Velvet proves his capability as a solo artist—from songwriting and arrangement to executing layered synths, guitars, and vocals.
For enthusiasts of The Midnight, Scandroid, LeBrock, or The Weeknd’s retro synth leanings, Closer offers a fresh voice with rock energy and personal conviction. It balances retro homage with genuine innovation, making it a confident and compelling debut.
If you’re after high-energy synthwave with guitar grit, cinematic ballads with neon flair, and a story arc that resonates both outwardly imagery and inwardly, Closer is a debut not to be missed.
Verdict: A dynamic, 11‑track synth‑rock journey packaged with a rich “Night Drive” outro. Mark Velvet proves that retro and modern can collide artistically—delivering anthems, introspection, and cinematic breadth in equal measure.
