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The Valves: Liberty Angel

From the ashes of Christchurch bands Pumpkinhead and Slim comes your new favourite band, The Valves. This debut album has been over two years in the making, but proves well worth the wait, the time spent getting it right shows through. Hardly surprising with the involvement of experienced engineer Neil Baldock, James Reid (Feelers) on production duties, and Malcom Wellsford also in the mix. The sound is slick, punchy and of international appeal. Mainly it was recorded at York Street, but also Treehouse Studios (Titirangi), Blast Studios in Christchurch and Paramount Studios in LA. Add mastering at 301 in Sydney, and you’re looking at a seriously professional production.Whilst describing the sound of The Valves is actually quite difficult, it’s fair to say this album has the potential to appeal to many shades of rock fan. There’s grunty rock and roll, emo flavours (without the whining), chunky Shihad-type riffs, hints of Coldplay and Keane, Datsuns (Mile High), Black Crowes (Light It Up), Elemeno P, Linkin Park... even the Mockers on Walking In The Rain. A real mixed bag best summed up as a modern rock album covering all current flavours of the day, coupled with some good pop songwriting. The band have put in the hard yards with this record and deserve your attention. International quality? Commercial enough? Check, on both counts. Out on James Reid’s own label.

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