post-rock / psychedelic / krautrock
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I'm not sure if Dunk!Festival accepts recommendations, but if so, I would gladly put this band forward. I think they will make a great addition to the 2016 line-up, loyal to post-rock but deviating from the norm in a number of ways, each as delightful as the next one. This is Alice In The Cities meets Tortoise meets Mogwai meets Kreidler meets Ennio Morricone meets Monkey3 meets Ozric Tentacles. Or something like that.
Valley was formed in 2010 when three friends were looking for new ways to explore their admiration for psychedelic rock, jazz and folk. Yet, it wasn't until two more members were added that the band actually found the right direction. Late 2014 they locked themselves in the studio to record their debut e.p., which was later mastered by Magnus Lindberg (Cult of Luna, Refused, Khoma, Pg.lost).
It's this debut e.p. which I'm so excited by today. This four track shows a warm, gentle approach to post-rock, driving on immersive bass lines (a bit 'dubby' at times) and a (mostly) slow tempo. Above these foundations a number of drones, soundscapes, guitars, percussion and effects create a strange but beautiful atmosphere. The first two songs 'Tunguska' and 'Kiro' are perfect examples of this approach: minimal and subdued, never obtrusive but always nice to listen to.
'Dream Shooter, Golden!' digs a bit more into krautrock and reminds me Hypnodrone Ensemble, another project that finds the way to my media player a lot these days. It's a bit faster than the previous two and has a brilliant drive to it. Closer 'Picture Puzzle Pattern Door' is the longest and most varied track, including folk guitars, djembe, vocals samples and an overall sound with a huge smile. Yes, I think sounds can smile and the ones which Valley create, surely do.
So in all, if you're into post-rock, shoegaze, psychedelic rock and stoner rock, this clearly is something up your alley. I'm absolutely sure it's going to be played a lot in this household and, as so many times before, I really hope I can ever get the chance to witness Valley live. That's exactly why I recommend this band to Dunk!Festival. They will be the quiet haven in a weekend of walls-of-sound without losing the blissful atmosphere of the whole festival. Brilliant e.p., period.
Serge
Valley was formed in 2010 when three friends were looking for new ways to explore their admiration for psychedelic rock, jazz and folk. Yet, it wasn't until two more members were added that the band actually found the right direction. Late 2014 they locked themselves in the studio to record their debut e.p., which was later mastered by Magnus Lindberg (Cult of Luna, Refused, Khoma, Pg.lost).
It's this debut e.p. which I'm so excited by today. This four track shows a warm, gentle approach to post-rock, driving on immersive bass lines (a bit 'dubby' at times) and a (mostly) slow tempo. Above these foundations a number of drones, soundscapes, guitars, percussion and effects create a strange but beautiful atmosphere. The first two songs 'Tunguska' and 'Kiro' are perfect examples of this approach: minimal and subdued, never obtrusive but always nice to listen to.
'Dream Shooter, Golden!' digs a bit more into krautrock and reminds me Hypnodrone Ensemble, another project that finds the way to my media player a lot these days. It's a bit faster than the previous two and has a brilliant drive to it. Closer 'Picture Puzzle Pattern Door' is the longest and most varied track, including folk guitars, djembe, vocals samples and an overall sound with a huge smile. Yes, I think sounds can smile and the ones which Valley create, surely do.
So in all, if you're into post-rock, shoegaze, psychedelic rock and stoner rock, this clearly is something up your alley. I'm absolutely sure it's going to be played a lot in this household and, as so many times before, I really hope I can ever get the chance to witness Valley live. That's exactly why I recommend this band to Dunk!Festival. They will be the quiet haven in a weekend of walls-of-sound without losing the blissful atmosphere of the whole festival. Brilliant e.p., period.
Serge