Valley Soul’s Kristen Gradwohl’s radiant voice caterwauls on the first track of the band’s first full-length studio album, Talking Pictures. That song, “Human Condition,” is an introduction to nine songs about the band’s experiences that reach for universality as the song melts a slow reggae beat with piano.
“It’s the human condition/ To be a contradiction/ We search to find a higher purpose/ You can fight and resist it/ Or surrender to the master of it/ When your life is a balance of the elements.”
Valley Soul formed in 2012, released a self-titled EP in 2014 and has gradually built momentum through dynamic live performances in the years since. One member of their growing following calls them “modern Steely Dan/Fleetwood Mac – like watching magic.”
During a 2015 show at Wave Street Studios in Monterey, teens and young adults with kaleidoscopic hair created a rainbow crescent of bodies at the foot of the stage. Gradwohl leaped into the throng, pulled her hair loose from a bun and wailed into her microphone.
With four songwriters, six band members and four vocalists, Valley Soul successfully managed to produce the cohesive, thoughtfully arranged concept album Talking Pictures this year. The band workshopped songs written by individual members that were unified by themes of human life experience. One of Valley Soul’s most ardent fans, Aaron Rauber – well-known as an audio engineer – produced.
“There wasn’t a lot of outside [musical] influence,” says guitarist/vocalist Joe Scardina. “We influence each other.”
“All of the songs rely upon each other,” he adds. “We didn’t pick a single because it’s meant to be heard in [its entirety.]”
The song “Master of Loneliness” captures longing for human connection without being maudlin or taking the sparse musical arrangement route. Instead, the contemporary indie rock song is rich with four-part harmonies, layers of multiple guitars and elegant piano. The objective of the song is accomplished through pleading lyrics: “Another day/ Waking up/ I’m alone again.”
Four voices build a crescendo at the chorus: ‘Don’t you care/ That I’m here/ Because I’m the master of loneliness.”
The harmony fades, as if each voice was unaware of their momentary union.
Valley Soul will release Talking Pictures Saturday at East Village Coffee Lounge at an all-ages show. The group embarks on an eight-city tour June 17. Local indie favorites Proudest Monkeys and garage/hardcore band Beach Daze open.
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