The North Valley are not afraid to leave it all on the table. They aren’t afraid to wear their influences on their sleeves, either. That becomes obvious some 10 seconds into the first track, “Stones To Change,” which does its best “Tears of Rage” impression.
Local Review: The North Valley – Patterns In Retrospect
Local Music Reviews
The North Valley
Patterns in Retrospect
Self-Released
Street: 01.10
The North Valley = Alabama Shakes + The Band
The North Valley are not afraid to leave it all on the table. They aren’t afraid to wear their influences on their sleeves, either. That becomes obvious some 10 seconds into the first track, “Stones To Change,” which does its best “Tears of Rage” impression. I’m really impressed by the urgency and immediacy of the harmonies on this album. The second track, “You Got that Straight Jake,” showcases multi-layered and multi-faceted vocals that ripped right through the kevlar on my eardrums. The beat of the drums synched with my amphetamine-caked heart until I was begging for a murmur. I won’t say anything about their sometimes simplistic lyricisms because, in truth, it doesn’t matter. Concise, well polished and sure of itself, Patterns in Retrospect might be The North Valley’s best effort yet. –Taylor Hale
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