Valedictions - Album Review: Pieces
It has been two years since their Debut EP, and three-piece Auckland-based rock outfit Valedictions are back to stir up NZ's rock scene with their new album Pieces.
Valedictions have been blessing us with their music since 2008; the talented three-piece including Jarrod Ross on vocals and guitar, Ivan De Los Santos on bass and backing vocals, and Cole Goodely on drums. They’ve appeared every in the New Zealand rock scene, and people often describe their music as ‘bad-a** punk’ or ‘hardcore motherf****** rock’ - Which is why when I listened to Pieces, I was surprised, but pretty darn stoked about the outcome of the album.
Pieces turns away from the heavier noise pop-rock style that surrounds their earlier releases, and reflects a turnover of their musical style and their direction. The album takes you back to a style more reminiscent to the Dunedin-sound days of the 80’s mixed with modern day alternative indie-rock tunes, reminding you of lazy Summer days and the big surf.
After listening through - which is easily done with instant appeal of every song, you come to realise each and every song has a distinctly different style and melodies, but all the songs weave together seamlessly, and the entire album kept me on my toes in the best way possible - Parallel to the transformation and experimentation Valedictions was trying out.
Look At Me Now opened the album with an upbeat guitar riff, followed by soulful vocals which belt out lyrics full of raw power and emotion and repetition of a catchy chorus. The energy of the opening track happily drew me in to listen on.
Halfway through the album, the heavier rock of their earlier releases shone through on Queens, and Nick Cave-esque punk humbled the high energy on Black Box.
In the wide world of music, there will always be bad with the good, and good amongst the bad. But the best feeling is when you discover music that is a surprise and a gem in the midst of the sea, which is exactly how I felt about Pieces. Take a listen and go see them live!
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