“Velben is one of the freshest new dudes outta Detroit via Scandinavia. Raw honest soul music. We need more of that shit.” - Rich Medina / Kindred Spirits

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“This is that real soul music for the new millenium. It’s the sound that real music lovers have been starving for.” - Cosmo Baker / The Rub NYC

“Incredible Detroit soul from Velben — an artist who may not be as well-known as some of his contemporaries on the scene, but who really bursts forth with a tremendous sound on this debut! The record’s got a feel that’s just wonderful — a blend of blurred beats and basslines, crispy keyboards, and flanged-out vocals that are compressed nicely down in the mix, yet come through with a sense of warmth and soul that’s really amazing. There’s a subtle sense of poetry in Velben’s music — much more so than we’re used to hearing on a record like this — and amidst some of the fiercer, more electronic bursts of sound, the vocals anchor the groove wonderfully, and give it a solid focus that makes for one hell of a great little record. And although the length of the set is just over a half an hour, the tunes are so great that Velben manages to get more into a short record than most artists do in a much longer one!” - Dusty Groove America

“Very nice album, soulful gem!” - Michael Reinboth / Compost Records

“Sometimes you come across music that commands you to stop and listen. It demands your full attention and concentration to truly understand and appreciate its depth and artistry. Formless, by Velben, is such music. Formless is the perfect word to describe this seven track EP. Not because it lacks structure but, because it is organic and at times flows like spoken word. Formless is gritty, urban, and poetic. The lyrics are often figurative instead of literal. This musical offering is refreshing and makes you open your mind to be carried where the melding of the words and music are meant to take you. The vocals are not the strongest but, the music and production is most assuredly on point. The synergy and relationship between the music and vocals create Formless’ mood and message.

On each track, the music draws you in and the lyrics keep you. ‘Better Days’ has solid production with an infectious beat. It puts you in the mood of riding on a train in your own world, in your own mental space deep in introspection about life. With a positive message of optimism Velben croons, “Though you see me dancing to my own drum I still remember where I came from.” ‘Come Around’ is a jazz infused, smooth, almost ethereal daydream of infatuation. It describes how you feel when you wrap your mind around someone and can’t let go. ‘Travelin Man’ is a thought provoking and somewhat spiritual funky groove. It has an effective blend of electronic instruments, sound effects, and drum beats. ‘About Love’ is a light simple jam where Velben breaks down the concept of love saying, “When it’s good it’s good, when it’s bad it’s bad”. ‘Starchild’ is intricate and complete, epitomizing Velben’s style. The crisp use of piano, the garnish of guitar, a pleasantly paced bass line, and blending of effects make this track stand out. The spoken word style of the lyrics describe life as: “using the knowledge of the planets to live everyday”. Velben ends with ‘Kings and Queens’, a smooth musical trip encouraging us to carry ourselves as kings and queens reminding us that “we are all brothers and sisters through God”. Formless is definitely an interesting listen that will make you think and groove.” - Raniers Simons / Nu-Soul Magazine

“Velben has always been beyond 2morrow! The vibes are so cyber! There is no form! It’s shapeless. It ventures the whole galaxy! I’m enjoying the formless sounds.” - Jneiro Jarel / Lex Records

“K-O-V-A debyytti detroitilaiselta tuottaja-laulajalta! Dweleä, Raphael Saadiqia ja Amp Fiddleri ja vastaavia diggaaville ns. pakkopoisto.” - Lifesaver Records / Helsinki