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Image via Unsplash.
Sounds like:
Radiohead,
Grizzly Bear,
Local Natives,
Deerhunter,
The Middle East
Why do we like this?
When I first decided to dedicate myself to a life of music consumption, Valar was a band that I knew I should investigate, but I never got around to it. Then, I did! And I'm sure glad about it.
Valar is the brainchild of Sydney conspirators James Blackwood, Murray Bunton, and Tim Parsons; they began their musical collaboration in 2008. The boys have taken their time, releasing the We Have A Home Among The Trees EP in early 2010 and performing at small, intimate night spots around Sydney. They then took a break from performing in order to concentrate on recording their new offering, The Belly of the Whale.
Recorded over three weeks by drummer Parsons in a converted church, the EP absolutely reeks of ability. "Uptight," the first track, kicks off proceedings perfectly. A more up-tempo piece, it uses slide-guitar and accordion to give it a flowing and carefree feel. Rich shades of sound course through "East of Here" and "Dragon of Doubt," both thought-provoking and melodious simultaneously. "Silverman" is where I really noticed lead singer Blackwood's Tom Yorke-esque vocals. In fact, this track truly channels Radiohead's haunting tones and pulse, not an easy job! "Hocus Pocus" concludes things perfectly with trumpet and a communal sing-song. The abrupt finish to the track gives hope of more to follow soon. Please?
Seeing them live for the first time just over a week ago, there was a sense that this group are destined for bigger things. How long can Sydney contain this amazing band before they are unshackled? Hopefully not too much longer, because then you'll remember that I told you so.
"540" height="360" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0">
Valar is the brainchild of Sydney conspirators James Blackwood, Murray Bunton, and Tim Parsons; they began their musical collaboration in 2008. The boys have taken their time, releasing the We Have A Home Among The Trees EP in early 2010 and performing at small, intimate night spots around Sydney. They then took a break from performing in order to concentrate on recording their new offering, The Belly of the Whale.
Recorded over three weeks by drummer Parsons in a converted church, the EP absolutely reeks of ability. "Uptight," the first track, kicks off proceedings perfectly. A more up-tempo piece, it uses slide-guitar and accordion to give it a flowing and carefree feel. Rich shades of sound course through "East of Here" and "Dragon of Doubt," both thought-provoking and melodious simultaneously. "Silverman" is where I really noticed lead singer Blackwood's Tom Yorke-esque vocals. In fact, this track truly channels Radiohead's haunting tones and pulse, not an easy job! "Hocus Pocus" concludes things perfectly with trumpet and a communal sing-song. The abrupt finish to the track gives hope of more to follow soon. Please?
Seeing them live for the first time just over a week ago, there was a sense that this group are destined for bigger things. How long can Sydney contain this amazing band before they are unshackled? Hopefully not too much longer, because then you'll remember that I told you so.
"540" height="360" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0">
Streaming source:
http://soundcloud.com/valar-music/uptight
TOUR DATES
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