Afrodisiac

The Veldt, the pioneering American alternative soul and shoegaze group formed in 1986 by identical twins Daniel Chavis and Danny Chavis in Raleigh, North Carolina, has long stood as one of the most visionary and genre-defying bands of their era. Joined by David Burris and Marvin Levi, the group quickly developed a sound that blended ethereal guitar textures with deep R&B roots, creating a style that would influence generations of artists to come. After signing with Capitol Records in 1989, The Veldt toured extensively across the United States, sharing stages with The Jesus and Mary Chain and Cocteau Twins. Ray Shulman, known for his work with Björk, The Sugarcubes and The Sundays, produced their landmark 1994 album Afrodisiac, a record now recognized as a bold fusion of shoegaze, soul and Afro-alternative rock-an album so ahead of it's time that it continues to resonate with new listeners decades later. Now, Afrodisiac is available for the first time as a deluxe 2LP vinyl edition. This release brings renewed depth and warmth to the album's swirling guitars, velvet-rich vocals and hypnotic rhythms, presenting the music with a clarity that highlights just how innovative The Veldt's sound truly was. The set also includes two essential remixes of "Soul In The Jar"-one by The Jesus and Mary Chain, who drench the track in their signature haze of distortion, and another by hip-hop pioneer Diamond D, whose rugged Guitar Remix adds a head-nodding edge that reframes the song's emotional core. The album's legacy has only grown over time. Pitchfork named Afrodisiac one of the top 50 shoegaze albums ever released, while Stereogum included the single "Until You're Forever" among the 31 essential tracks of the genre, further cementing The Veldt's status as foundational innovators. Afrodisiac is available for the first time as a 2LP 180g black vinyl edition, including an insert.