The Veldt fell just short of being an anathema in the Chapel Hill indie rock scene of the early '90s. Sounding and looking nothing like the striped shirt contingent of Superchunk, Polvo, or Archers of Loaf, the band was more at home with the likes of England's dream pop bands. They were predominantly black, an unfortunate mark against them. What could be more natural than black men playing rock & roll? Keep the atmosphere of the Cocteau Twins and A.R. Kane, add some aggression and more prominent guitars -- that was the Veldt. They were influenced by Echo & the Bunnymen just as much as Jimi Hendrix and Prince, adding discernible lyrics and upping the emotional power where most bands of their ilk shied from the microphone, burying their vocals in guitar wash.
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