Analog Dream finds strength after betrayal on “Velvet Knives”
Photo Credit: Michelle LoBianco
San Francisco’s Analog Dream, the five-piece band founded by Jorge Sandoval and Rich Cannon, are excited to share their new single, “Velvet Knives” out on July 9, 2026 via New York’s Soundvsystem Records. The song is the third single off of their upcoming EP The Shape Of Us, which is set to be released on August 20, 2026. The song speaks to the feeling of betrayal by those you trust most.
Though the band welcomes listeners to individually interpret their music, Cannon said, “[‘Velvet Knives’ is] about the emotional weight of that kind of deception, how it can slowly unravel your quality of life, and ultimately finding the strength to escape before it consumes you.” The first verse begins with the lines, “I could be used/’cause it’s all a veil of lives/shifting ideas,” and shifts from the perspective of ‘I’ to ‘you’ in the second verse. The narrator realizes their power, flipping the dynamic in the relationship. This switch is paired with a moment of back and forth between electric guitar and drums.
“Velvet Knives” explores the cruel feeling of being betrayed by someone who acts one way to your face but is secretly working against you. Guided by compelling sections of drums and electric guitar and supported by powerful rock vocals by frontman Sandoval, the single takes listeners on a journey. The first chorus builds up to an emotional release, spotlighting the band’s instrumental mastery.
Analog Dream is driven by true musicianship and collaboration. The previously two-piece band formed by Sandoval and Cannon, now includes Caleb Dolister (drums), Kevin Fayle (synth) and Sarah Reinke (bass), expanding their musicality. While their music takes inspiration from genres like shoegaze and indie-rock, Analog Dream is original. “Velvet Knives” strays away from a traditional song structure, bringing a fresh new sound.
The band’s new single builds on the success of “The Shape of Us,” which received praise from Happy Mag, Alt 77, and MP3Hugger and radio airplay from Radio Free BK, KSER, M3, WHFR and WZMB. Their lead single, “Dystopian,” debuted at #6 on the MMD Top Singles chart and has had strong radio support from stations including WPRK, WUML, and WODU.
The Shape Of Us arrives August 20th on Soundvsystem Records, with a limited 180g 12" clear vinyl available for pre-order now on Bandcamp.
Follow Analog Dream on Instagram. Go see the band live:
8/14 - San Francisco, CA @ The Knockout
8/29 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Escondite
On their new single "Velvet Knives," Analog Dream turns betrayal into a power shift, flipping the narrator from victim to the one in control. The lyrical shift is carried by a sonic push and pull between heavy guitars and drums. This is the band's third single off their newly announced EP The Shape Of Us, out August 20 on Soundvsystem Records.