Chad Valley – Equatorial Ultravox 8.1

                I first heard of Chad Valley about a month or so ago. When I heard the fifth track on here “Fast Challenges” I felt pretty excited. Here was an artist going back to the proud tradition of trance pop from the early 90s. Unlike some others working in the same sound, he deftly avoided any trace of irony. No, his work sounded fairly genuine, heartfelt even. 

                “Reach Lines” is truly great. The sound is pristine. I’m a little blown away. I mean, here we have all these artists obsessing about creating a lo-fi sound to impress others. Listening to it I’m reminded of a sweet Washed Out track. Vocals come from far away. Just for those not convinced, they bring out the vocoder. Oh this makes me happy. 

                With the full album, I’m reminded a bit more of the nostalgic vibes everyone’s been surfing on lately. Chad Valley’s work succeeds with the sheer smoothness of delivery. All those vocals make up most of the sound, taking up huge amounts of space. Vocals are more of an instrument than mere backup. This isn’t a bad thing; countless artists (Cocteau Twins) have convinced me of the importance on focusing of the texture of the sound. Besides, this is in English unlike the Twins’ made-up language. 

                Actually, most of the album explores the 80s more than that teaser “Fast Challenges” hinted. I’m not bothered by this fact. You’ll probably politely hum along with most of this album. The warmth it contains makes it pretty hard to dislike. Even the melodies are infectious.

                Of course, there are a lot of bands using a similar sound. Immediately the group “Games” comes to mind. Like Games, it stays true to a pop format, with all seven of these songs staying within five minutes or less. Similar to Games, it explores the myriad percussion and synthesizer pads. But the main difference is the more human approach to pop. The experimental impulse of the sound is kept in check by the human vocals. It’s a great summer album. Shame he isn’t coming to the US.

Selebrities – Delusions 8.4

                Selebrities have every reason to feel accomplished. They’ve managed to put out a great single, EP and now a full album. As someone who grew up extensively on Goth and new wave this album makes me smile ear to ear. Countless nights I spent listening to New Order and Joy Division suddenly feel completely worth it. 

                The guitar weaves its way through drum machines and Maria Usbeck’s fantastic vocals. She gives just the right impression. Her voice sounds straight out of 1982. I’m really impressed at how well each one of these people did their homework. Whenever people have tried doing this sort of sound they try to hide in lo-fi techniques or offer up some other kind of cover. Bands like Twin Shadow and Silk Flowers get part of the ideas right, missing key ingredients. Selebrities has a great grasp on what needs to be done from the low end, rhythm, and tenor of each song. 

                After I learned these guys were from Brooklyn, I felt a bit sheepish. They are so close by, right in my backyard and I didn’t even get to see them live. Considering the rawness of “Living Dead” I’d imagine they would do a pretty good to downright excellent job live. 

                Pacing is great through the album. If things were too heavy before, they follow it with a lighter song. Even within a single song, they know how to keep in interesting. On “Can’t Make Up My Mind” their teaser available free for download, they have a nice little flourish towards the end where the guitar drops out leaving the naked synthesizer. 

                I have a few favorites on here. “Secret Garden” and “Time” are my picks for the highlights. The first one has such a clean guitar line with a drum machine reminiscent of “Bizarre Love Triangle”.  “Time” sounds like the perfect song for a rainy day, which New York has been having plenty. 

                Surprises are good. Delusion is an album filled with surprises. Their focus allows them to really hone a singular sound. Maybe someday Selebrities will be celebrities.

Chad Valley – Fast Challenges

             Cascine is a label specializing in “Experimental Pop”. That means smooth sounds, vocals, and an undeniable fondness for sweet melodies. I’ve been sort of following them for a while, wondering when I’ll get overwhelmed by one of the artists. Each artist is carefully chosen for sure. Whoever selects the sounds has good taste and some serious frequent flier miles (hanging out in Florence and Stockholm; being based out of London, New York and Los Angeles. I guess the term ‘jet set’ still has meaning.) But only today did I hear something that ‘blew me away’.

                Hugo Manuel (the man behind Chad Valley) is something grand. It is no surprise he’s from the UK. Electronic acts are just better across the sea, I’m not sure why. The Puritans who came here lacked the genetic makeup for serious club bangers and electronic pop music in general. We had boy bands, utter rubbish, the UK gets Chad Valley. Somehow I feel a tad cheated. 

                “Fast Challenges” is a teaser for the EP out in the beginning of the summer, June 20^th to be precise. A summer release makes sense, as the song itself positively shines. Yet again, I’m convinced trance pop will make a comeback before I turn too old to dance. The build on this is great; the vocals are pitch-perfect, and the sound. Well as a few commenters have already stated, it is lush. Early 90s lush, I enjoy the extreme attention to detail percussion and all.

                I’m happy he comes from Oxford. Oxford is quintessential England to me, with canals, crew teams and tea houses. Chad Valley represents to me the quintessential sweet trance pop song which I hope will become a tad more common. A teaser this good is a rare treat indeed.