After two years of searching, Valley Soul finds a massive sound.

When Valley Soul formed in 2012, it was an acoustic band with limitless promise, but zero identity.

The paradox was the product of four songwriters writing very different styles of songs separately for the band to perform collectively. After a couple years – and the addition of yet another songwriter, Kristen Gradwohl (vocals) – Kevin Call (bass, vocals), Adam Ingram (piano, guitar, vocals), Tommy Howbert (guitar, vocals) and Joe Scardina (guitar, vocals) have joined forces on songwriting and found a new level of craft.

“It’s still developing, but we’re really happy with how it’s going,” Ingram says as the band gathers at its mid-Carmel Valley practice space.

Valley Soul likens itself to a poor man’s mix of Arcade Fire and Of Monsters and Men; its layered instrumental parts and four-part harmonies equate to an expansive live sound.

Late last August, the group released its self-titled debut EP, produced by Aaron Rauber at Franklin Street Studios. The members of the band agree that “Key to the Door” is the tune they’re most proud of. It’s smooth blue-eyed soul meets Rusted Root rhythmic tribal styling. “Animal,” meanwhile, has proven to be an instant audience favorite, a straightforward indie rock piece with a hip-hop backbeat and R&B harmonies that eventually explodes into a rollicking, all-encompassing jam.

Gradwohl, Valley Soul’s only female presence, views the testosterone-heavy crew as a band of brothers.

“I feel like we are a true family and there’s a lot of honesty between us,” she says. “We help each other through tough times. We’re all learning and growing together. We really try to motivate each other and open up with one another.”

VALLEY SOUL 7pm Friday, Sept. 12. Barmel, San Carlos between Seventh and Ocean, Carmel. Free. 626-3400.