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About Waiting for some Warmth
The voice of Johann Le Roux immediately transports us into a universe with an increased dimension. The performances of Romuald Ballet-Baz and Jean-Alain Larreur are fine and chiselled. The sound recording is remarkable.
Dominique Cresson (Ouest-France, may 2023)
The cover of “Pendulum” is sober and elegant, almost solemn, yes solemn rock. Powerful. The soundis as stripped down as it is authentic. An authenticity that grips the guts. Rock and folk fans should be charmed by this new group which deserves to be known.
Laura Baudier (Le Télégramme, may 2023)
“In The Fade” shows how through simplicity a more minimalist track can overflow feelings with ease. Steel & Velvet relies on acoustic guitars, clean vocals and the influence of blues-rock to create a unique sound through a delicate and subtle atmosphere. Listen!
Bruna Antenore (Rocknbold juillet 2023)
https://rocknbold.com/2023/07/hot-hot-15-faixas-para-ouvir-nesta-quarta-feira-16/
Steel & Velvet, a gentle Rock’n’Folk power.
Amélie Maguer (Sonadeg n°48, juillet 2023)
About Orphan’s Lament (1st track from People Just Float):
Steel & Velvet’s interpretation of Robbie Basho’s «Orphan’s Lament» represents far more than mere homage—it stands as a masterclass in musical translation, transforming the late composer’s 1978 piano meditation into something simultaneously faithful and entirely reimagined.
Indie Dock Music Blog
https://indiedockmusicblog.co.uk/?p=32485
With their unique take, Steel & Velvet captures a deep, resonating power that feels both personal and universal, a true testament to their artistry.
The Cage
https://www.cageriot.com/post/steel-velvet-unveils-powerful-reimagining-of-orphan-s-lament-and-connects-with-usto-discuss-the
A perfect hybrid between naked, true folk and something almost operatic in its intent. Two distant worlds speaking the same emotional language. Strong melodies, unpretentious power, and a unique stylistic fingerprint. Beautifully done.
Obliq
https://www.instagram.com/p/DQMgSbhjLwq/
There’s an almost spiritual chemistry between Le Roux and Ballet-Baz. One note at a time, one breath in dialogue in hushed whispers, their communion is naked and pure. The stripped-down performance, just voice and guitar, perfectly captures the duo’s dedication to authenticity, channeling the emerging spirit of minimalism of Johnny Cash’s American Recordings.
HyperHub Magazine
https://www.hypehubmagazine.com/2025/10/steel-velvet-breathe-earth-and-spirit.html
Steel & Velvet have created something rare: a cover that feels like revelation.
Melody Lens Blog
https://www.melodylensblog.com/post/steel-velvet-orphan-s-lament
Finally, the combination of minimalist instrumentation, careful phrasing, and expressive singing turns Basho’s original composition into a moving, intimate reinterpretation, proving Steel & Velvet’s ability to convey profound emotion with simplicity and grace.
Sinusoidal Music
https://sinusoidalmusic.com/reviews/music-reviews/steel-velvet-orphans-lament/
The result is a piece of music that sits somewhere between classical poise and raw emotional truth, capturing the timeless spirit of folk.
We Write About Music
https://www.wewriteaboutmusic.com/reviews/steel-and-velvet-orphans-lament
Gorgeous guitar work opens the release and instantly draws the listener in. As the charismatic vocals enter, they fill the sonic spectrum with charm. The performances are of the highest caliber and stay with the audience long after the music has ended.
FVMusic Blog
https://fvmusicblog.com/steel-velvet-orphans-lament/
Steel & Velvet achieve a rare balance here: respecting the soul of the classic while imprinting their own sonic signature, fragile and powerful at the same time, offering the audience a piece of modern folk music that is vibrant and profoundly human.
Iggy
https://www.iggymagazine.com/steel-velvet-orphans-lament-une-reinterpretation-poignante-dun-classique-du-folk/#google_vignette
Johann Le Roux’s baritone timbre is a rare gift.
Frequenze Musicali
https://www.frequenzemusicali.it/orphans-lament-il-lamento-che-scava-nellanima-degli-steel-velvet/