UltraCopacetic (Copacetic Remixed And Expanded) (reissue of the classic album) – The Fire Note
Speed Girl
UltraCopacetic (Copacetic remixed and expanded)
Sub Pop Records (2024)
Released: February 2, 1993/New edition: August 16, 2024
Producer: Robert Weston
Length: 45:25/Re-issue: 1:17:00
Formed in 1989 at the University of Maryland, Velocity Girl emerged from the Washington, DC area with a blend of British-influenced noise and American indie rock. Their early success led them to sign with Sub Pop in the early 1990s. Velocity Girl’s sound blends the catchy melodies of Britpop with the distorted, guitar-driven energy of shoegaze. The music often juxtaposes pop sensibilities with a rougher indie edge, creating a dynamic blend.
Velocity Girls Copacetic was and is a gem of the 90s indie rock scene, combining the catchy charm of Britpop with the rough fuzz of shoegaze. The band effortlessly combines sweet melodies with loud guitars, creating a sound that is both nostalgic and fresh. Tracks like “Audrey’s Eyes” and “Pop Loser” capture the energy and emotion of an era that defined indie rock. With its mix of pop hooks and rough edges Copacetic is a must-have for anyone who loves the mix of melody and noise that made the 90s so unforgettable.
UltraCopacetic takes up Velocity Girl’s debut album and reinterprets it. Copaceticwith a fresh mix and additional tracks. This release attempts to capture the band’s original vision for the album, mixing pop hooks, fuzzy guitars and a cohesive song flow. The updated edition includes a full album with bonus tracks, unreleased material and a Peel Session. For the younger readers out there, it’s worth a revisit or a new interpretation!
SINGLE: “Audrey’s Eyes” / “Pop Loser” / “Living Well”
DEEP CUTS: Tracks like “Pretty Sister” and “Here Comes” offer a deeper look into the band’s more experimental side and contrast with the album’s pop-heavy singles.
ARTISTS WITH SIMILAR FIRE: Black Tambourine / Lush / Teenage Fan Club
INTERESTING FACT: The band signed their contract with Sub Pop on the hood of a car in Hoboken, New Jersey, as a symbol of their combative DIY spirit.
WHAT DID VELOCITY GIRL DO?: The band members have pursued various projects since the dissolution of Velocity Girl. Starry eyes was a short-lived band featuring Velocity Girl members Sarah Shannon, Kelly Riles, and Jim Spellman, who released an EP in 1997. Other members included former members of Velocity Girl and Shades Apart. The Saturday People was founded by Archie Moore of Velocity Girl and Terry Banks of Tree Fort Angst. Heartworms was a side project of Moore that existed before the dissolution of Velocity Girl. Julie Ocean is a now-defunct power pop band from Washington, DC, in which Jim Spellman played guitar. Spellman is now a correspondent for CGTN. The Non-It! is a children’s rock band featuring singer Sarah Shannon. Shannon has also released two solo albums: Sarah Shannon in 2002 and City Morning Song in 2007.
VELOCITY GIRL LINKS
Instagram | Band camp | Sub Pop Records
A passionate new music fan, Christopher Anthony ran a record store and produced alternative video shows in the 90s. In the 2000s, he became a prolific music blogger, documenting the scene with a positive perspective. His mission: to discover the latest indie releases and share them with you!
