Based in New Orleans, the melodic and jangly adult alternative/folk-rock duo Blood Red Velvet draws substantial inspiration from R.E.M. and 10,000 Maniacs. Comparisons have also been drawn between the twosome and the Cure, while the Beatles register as another influence, whether direct or indirect. Given the name Blood Red Velvet together with a preference for goth-like CD covers, listeners might expect the Crescent City residents to deliver goth rock, industrial music, or alternative metal—styles that feel dark and haunted. Yet Blood Red Velvet bears no resemblance to Skinny Puppy, Bauhaus, Sisters of Mercy, or Nine Inch Nails. Frontman and leader Bruno UK Steiner cultivates a vocal approach that clearly echoes R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe. His delivery never evokes Trent Reznor or the provocative Marilyn Manson, though clear parallels exist with Sheryl Crow and former 10,000 Maniacs vocalist Natalie Merchant.
Blood Red Velvet originated in the Crescent City during 1999, when Steiner teamed up with drummer Robert Weathers. Steiner shoulders the greater workload, supplying every lead vocal, composing the entire catalog, and handling guitar on both acoustic and electric models along with bass and keyboards. The northern California-based Delvian label signed the act in 2003 and issued the two albums Born Among the Ruins and Romeo's Bones at the same time in January 2004.
