Seattle's Painted Vein Delivers Haunting Debut Album Dripping Only Black
On November 15, 2024, Seattle-based musical project Painted Vein unveiled its debut album, Dripping Only Black, a bold exploration of alternative rock steeped in grunge and shoegaze influences. Created by multi-instrumentalist, producer, and engineer Andrea "Fox" Volpato, the album represents a deeply personal and atmospheric journey. Known for his previous work with Love in Elevator and New Candys, Volpato has crafted a record that echoes Seattle's grunge legacy while embracing modern experimental textures.
Recorded across studios in Venice, Italy, and Seattle, Dripping Only Black stands out as a singular artistic endeavor. Volpato composed, performed, produced, and mixed the entire album, imbuing it with an intimate and cohesive vision. The result is a brooding, layered work that pushes the boundaries of its genre.
A Tracklist Reflecting Depth and Emotion
The album spans nine tracks, including the standout single "My Well," an introspective anthem that balances darkness with a glimmer of hope. A highlight of the record is a cover of Nirvana’s "Something In The Way," a reinterpretation that pays homage to grunge pioneers while introducing Volpato’s unique sound.
The full tracklist is as follows:
- Lay Down
- Where Is My Soul?
- Something In The Way
- My Well
- Hey Man
- My Cigarettes
- Kick That Desire (feat. MØAA)
- I'll Set You Free (My Cigarettes Reprise)
- I Never Looked In My Eyes
One of the album's emotional peaks is "Kick That Desire," featuring guest vocals from MØAA, another artist with whom Volpato has collaborated. The song is a melancholic yet fierce exploration of longing, complemented by lush instrumentation.
The Artistic and Visual Narrative
The album's title, Dripping Only Black, suggests an intense introspection and emotional weight, themes reflected in both the lyrics and instrumentation. Painted Vein’s soundscapes are characterized by reverb-drenched guitars, understated yet poignant vocals, and an overall sense of tension and release.
Visually, the album mirrors its sonic identity. The limited-edition vinyl features striking artwork and a printed sleeve with lyrics, aligning with the project's DIY ethos. This attention to detail has resonated with fans, with the 12" black vinyl pressing limited to just 300 copies.
Critical Reception and Future Prospects
The album has already drawn comparisons to the works of grunge and shoegaze icons, with critics praising Volpato's ability to balance raw emotion with intricate production. Dripping Only Black has been lauded for its haunting atmosphere and emotional resonance, appealing to both fans of Seattle's grunge history and newcomers to the genre.
Painted Vein is not just a revival of Seattle’s musical legacy but a reinvention. By blending nostalgia with innovation, Andrea Volpato has created a record that feels timeless yet fresh. With Dripping Only Black, Painted Vein sets a strong foundation for future projects, solidifying its place in the alternative music scene.
As the project gains traction, fans eagerly anticipate what Painted Vein will do next, building on the compelling world introduced through this debut. Whether through live performances or further studio experiments, Painted Vein promises to be a name to watch in the years ahead.
For those who wish to immerse themselves in the moody brilliance of Dripping Only Black, the album is now available on major streaming platforms, as well as in digital, CD, and vinyl formats.
