A design for life: Dublin’s VELOURIAS unveil intense, rage-fuelled single, ‘Taxidermist’

ADDRESSING the Catholic church, religious persecution, and the determination to overcome those challenges, Dublin-based VELOURIAS today unveil the intense, rage-fuelled single, ‘Taxidermist.’

“The song is a result of growing up in Ireland, which has seen so much religious scandal and collusion between church and state,” said frontman Philip Keogh. 

“It’s not necessarily a protest, but more of a social commentary, which I guess is kind of inevitable when you grow up with it in the news constantly, even today. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t intentionally poking the bear, but as I’ve said, it’s just the product of our environment. The song as a whole is a bit grim and dystopian and a bit existential, but there’s also a little dark humour there. As I said, it’s not a protest but more a wry look at all the misery.”

In a world currently besieged by happy, back-slapping, identikit musicians, Velourias are a welcome, long overdue, much needed reminder of the power and importance of the song, with ‘Taxidermist’ undoubtedly benefitting from the influences of early Manic Street Preachers.

“As ardent admirers of the Manic Street Preachers, particularly their ‘Holy Bible’ era, we humbly attempt to emulate our idols,” added Keogh. “We consider it the highest form of praise when our music is compared to theirs. While it is true our track draws inspiration from the Manics’ ‘Faster,’ we believe that its iconic status does not render it completely untouchable.”

Joining Keogh in the trio are, Nick Murtagh (drums), and Rob Pope (bass), witha new album due for release 2025.

‘Taxidermist’ was recorded and mixed by Velourias and James Kenosha, with the video directed by Miles Davis Murphy.

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