ALBUM REVIEW: Shadows In Paradise – Valley Lodge

Power pop band VALLEY LODGE have put out their fifth studio album Shadows In Paradise. The group themselves take their pop-rock meets rock ‘n’ roll style from a range of influences that include the likes of T-REX, THE KINKS and THIN LIZZY, with their aim being to capture the carefree energy of youth where anything crazy goes.

Albeit cheesy and a touch juvenile at points, you can’t help but have a fun time listening to Shadows In Paradise, which comes with a guarantee that you’ll be bopping your head and tapping your foot along to the beats. Opening with Daylights, the first thing the listener hears is an energetic guitar intro that captures that pop-rock vibe from the 60s and has a positive feeling as though things will be ok yet not in a way that feels unrealistic.

While the album itself mostly blends pop and rock, there are fun moments of experimentation, such as in tracks like I Wrote A Song and Dyin’ that have quirky doo-wop sections, or the likes of Secret Lover, Dirty Dishes and That Love that bring in funky, electronic beats. The latter track also goes as far as to introduce a sitar into the mix that feels reminiscent of something ABBA would do.

One of the album’s most stand out moments is After School that opens with a chaotic crashing of drums that takes you by surprise before the full band joins in. While the track itself does fall in the territory of juvenile lyrics, you find it easily forgivable due to its fun nature and fantastic rock ‘n’ roll guitar solo. Hanging Around is another highlight that infuses blues into its bass-focused opening. What follows next is a rock track that introduces twinkly piano synths and catchy “do-do-do” harmonies.

Ultimately, Shadows In Paradise is a fun power pop record to by sure. It’s a bit stereotypical and maybe guilty of falling into the trap of being cheesy and silly, yet it’s the type of record that you can stick on when you need a little motivation and oomph into your step. And if you also want to find something that captures your childhood or those campy coming of age films you may have enjoyed growing up, then look no further.

Rating: 7/10

Shadows In Paradise is out now via Tee Pee Records.

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