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Mohawk Castle’s Erik David Hidde is inspired by The Velvet Underground, channeling his inner Bowie, on his latest cut ‘I Killed The Velvet Underground’. An indie underground veteran, Hidde’s approach is distinct, and his delivery heartfelt, through each syllable and every beat. 

blankBased in Long Beach, California, Mohawk Castle is an indie pop outfit spearheaded by its sole contributor Erik David Hidde, known for his work as the creative force for the acclaimed project Prison Escapee. ‘I Killed The Velvet Underground’ shows up as the closing cut on Hidde’s debut album as Mohawk Castle, titled ‘Die For Love’. The song, written in response to Hidde’s father’s cancer diagnosis, is an almost ambient exploration of Hidde’s relationship with his father. Heartfelt and profoundly deep, Hidde’s flawed vocals are the perfect vessel for his emotions. 

The song is defined by a rhythmic synth throb that does not cease throughout the song, a sparse beat consistently shows up then disappears alongside the soulful vocals in a perpetual duet dance. The song’s composition is bittersweet, touching on melancholic, and Hidde’s vocals are commandeering and confident, equally channeling Lou Reed’s deep lulls and Bowie’s flamboyance, remaining thoroughly Hidde throughout.

Mohawk Castle excels at being a living room art project, run by a single person with an array of gifts. A sparse and moving arrangement, a heartfelt lyrical and vocal delivery, and a superb indie song.