ALBUM REVIEW: The Blacklight Sessions – Valley Of The Sun

Through 16 years and numerous line-up changes, resulting in formations ranging from a trio to a quartet, VALLEY OF THE SUN have always delivered a relentlessly driving sound laced with power and groove, high energy and no nonsense. Their releases have garnered critical acclaim and their live shows earned swaths of fans. Following another re-jig which sees the band return to a locked in power-trio lineup with one sole original member at the helm, The Blacklight Sessions represents a further chapter in the growing catalogue of intoxicating heavy rock and roll for VALLEY OF THE SUN.

It might be whimsically titled, but opening track The Whiskey Elf pulls no punches. Packed full of groove, laced with catchy melody and intoxicating from the outset. It lays out the current direction for VALLEY OF THE SUN in no uncertain terms. With an emphasis on catchy riffs and rhythms, The Blacklight Sessions is a party album from the get go. The opening instrumental segues into the riotously fun Low Not Slow which kicks the doors in with an incessant drum beat and remains relentless from the opening bars.

The aptly titled The Long Song meanders in jam-like fashion, leaning into the psychedelic style of the trio. It’s a trip, but while at first may seem to change tack dramatically from the riff fuelled journey, it lends greater weight to the whole delivery. Showcasing that VALLEY OF THE SUN can explore and push boundaries, but retain an unmistakable sonic direction. They bring it all back in one hell of a captivating groove before a euphoric crescendo.

With an album consisting of just six tracks, VALLEY OF THE SUN make every minute count. Squeezing as much as they can from each note and leaving no space for waste. They hit hard when they need to, delivering unfiltered no nonsense rock ‘n’ roll, liberally applying percussion to accentuate the contagious rhythmic groove. The instrumental tracks let the trio really fly with what they’re creating, yet they showcase just as much exuberance with lyrics belting out at the fore. One can feel the grins as they rollick their way through Mountain, making the near ten-minute run time seemingly cruise by in an instant. It’s a gift to be able to switch between short, punchy numbers and longer compositions, but the band manage it with ease The Blacklight Sessions and produce an album with an insistent, cohesive pulse.

For a band that’s gone through numerous personnel changes and have been together in some form or other for nearly two decades, VALLEY OF THE SUN has always maintained a distinctive direction and sense of DNA. The riffs and grooves have been the dominant factor in their output and with The Blacklight Sessions, they’ve perfectly exemplified this. There’s something for long term fans to latch onto but also a reinvigorated energy that might draw greater attention. For the newcomers, the six tracks here are a perfect jumping off point into the valley.

Rating: 8/10

The Blacklight Sessions is set for release on October 2nd via Heavy Psych Sounds.

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