Fresh from Toronto, Valley challenges industry norms in the alternative-pop band’s new track “SOCIETY.”
While Valley’s previous release “Like 1999” transported us back to the 90s with endless nostalgia, “SOCIETY” defies societal expectations and solidifies the group’s identity compared to the expectations of the music industry.
While other groups may choose to sing songs about “Bacardi, parties, bars, cars,” Valley chooses not to fall into the industry cycle focused on making shallow hits and hitting deadlines and instead, the band chooses to remain true to its artistry.
About the new single, lead vocalist Rob Laska said, “At the end of the day, ‘SOCIETY’ is Valley accepting the terms and conditions of our identity, songs and career, the fact that we’ll never be able to please everyone, but also coming to terms that no matter what the public considers to be a ‘hit’, we tell ourselves we’re always going to follow our own artistic arrow.”
In addition to Rob Laska on vocals, the band includes Mickey Brandolino on guitar, Alex Dimauro on bass and Karah James on vocals and drums. The group built anticipation for the new track by strengthening their personal connection with fans by releasing the lyrics and meaning behind the song in advance.
In true Valley fashion, the track is filled with pop melodies intertwined with airy vocals that capture the band’s clever and ironic lyricism. The repetition in the bridge allows for the perfect build up before dropping the catchy chorus that will have you bopping your head and repeating “society sucks” throughout the day with a hint of angst.
I’m especially obsessed with the almost double entendre in the line, “I think I sold out when the sales went up” in the chorus.
Towards the end of the song, the group members chant critiques they’ve heard about their music from it being “too jazz” or “too sad” all while trying to maneuver the ‘game’ of making a music product that fits into supposedly what the public wants to hear.
I can definitely see Valley fans everywhere shouting the lyrics from “SOCIETY” back to the band on stage during their set on COIN’s ‘Rainbow Dreamland’ North American tour later this year. You can also catch Valley live at Bottlerock Festival in Napa Valley this September.
I first fell in love with Valley after hearing their single “hiccup” last year, and I can confidently say that this “SOCIETY” doesn’t suck.
Listen to “SOCIETY,” out now! Check out the official lyric video HERE.
kasual kook xx
KASUAL KOOK 