22 Nov 2024
Valkyrie - EP Review: Vallkyrie
11 Nov 2017 // A review by Paul Goddard
The Goddess Vallkyrie has spoken. She is looking for warriors, people who dare to be different, who want to alter perceptions and stereotypes. She is going to take these people to Valhalla to dine with Odin (well maybe Valhalla in Wellington for a few beers anyway).
To have come across an act like this, hailing from South Auckland, (my band is based down here as well) is exciting. Vallkyrie have a clear vision and it's not just around the direction of their sound it is in every detail surrounding them. From the imagery, the clothing, the stage show, videos. It all needs to fit but it also needs to follow the path they have chosen which is very different from what many people would expect.
There is so much going on but let's focus on the music. This band has some clear influences but rather than becoming a watered down version of the music they like they have mixed up a potent brew and created something unique. There are tribal rhythms, industrial beats, some beautiful vocals that go from Lorde-esque to hip-hop and all underpinned with a classic rock sensibility. It shouldn't work but it does.
Steel Heart starts with what sounds like a demonic music box that has been opened without being wound up properly then Omer's vocal floats in. She has a beautiful voice. This is a pop song with a twist of lemon then the drop into hip-hop comes, quickly followed by some 80's rock god guitar licks. It is a perfect and intriguing opener.
Voodoo has a bit more attitude and we get exposed to some of the soul of Vallkyrie. It's dark and seductive. The guitar kicks back in halfway through and is more prominent this time and I do question if that was necessary on this track.
Aztec Breath will have people swaying on it's opening vocal refrain but then the synth kicks in with what sounds like pan pipes! Really unexpected but it works as a great hook. Kind of reminds me of VAST (the UK one) who were another band pushing boundaries with sound.
Lost Soul is probably the most straight-ahead rock track on here. kind of a light version of something Devilskin might do. It's my least favourite not because it is bad but just because I think it is the most formulaic track on the EP. It will go down well live though.
The fact that Vallkyrie can leave tracks like Sakura and Queen until the end of EP shows real confidence. Sakura starts with a Japanese influenced vibe and shows the cinematic element to this band. The sounds create visuals in your mind and music scores for films or games should be something for the band to consider. It's a trippy track and leads us into the closing track Queen.
It starts off like The Prodigy and the tribal drums kick in. The volume needs to be turned up as the beats just build until we are in full on Pendulum mode. It's the shortest track on here but probably my favourite and it leaves you wanting to hear more.
Honestly, you need to see and hear Vallkyrie, It is rare to find a group who are willing to push boundaries but who also know the limits they can go to. It is controlled and focused and has clear direction. That direction is up. Up to wherever they want to go and whoever they want to take with them.
Review written by Paul Goddard
The Goddess Vallkyrie has spoken. She is looking for warriors, people who dare to be different, who want to alter perceptions and stereotypes. She is going to take these people to Valhalla to dine with Odin (well maybe Valhalla in Wellington for a few beers anyway).To have come across an act like this, hailing from South Auckland, (my band is based down here as well) is exciting. Vallkyrie have a clear vision and it's not just around the direction of their sound it is in every detail surrounding them. From the imagery, the clothing, the stage show, videos. It all needs to fit but it also needs to follow the path they have chosen which is very different from what many people would expect.
There is so much going on but let's focus on the music. This band has some clear influences but rather than becoming a watered down version of the music they like they have mixed up a potent brew and created something unique. There are tribal rhythms, industrial beats, some beautiful vocals that go from Lorde-esque to hip-hop and all underpinned with a classic rock sensibility. It shouldn't work but it does.
Steel Heart starts with what sounds like a demonic music box that has been opened without being wound up properly then Omer's vocal floats in. She has a beautiful voice. This is a pop song with a twist of lemon then the drop into hip-hop comes, quickly followed by some 80's rock god guitar licks. It is a perfect and intriguing opener.
Voodoo has a bit more attitude and we get exposed to some of the soul of Vallkyrie. It's dark and seductive. The guitar kicks back in halfway through and is more prominent this time and I do question if that was necessary on this track.
Aztec Breath will have people swaying on it's opening vocal refrain but then the synth kicks in with what sounds like pan pipes! Really unexpected but it works as a great hook. Kind of reminds me of VAST (the UK one) who were another band pushing boundaries with sound.
Lost Soul is probably the most straight-ahead rock track on here. kind of a light version of something Devilskin might do. It's my least favourite not because it is bad but just because I think it is the most formulaic track on the EP. It will go down well live though.
The fact that Vallkyrie can leave tracks like Sakura and Queen until the end of EP shows real confidence. Sakura starts with a Japanese influenced vibe and shows the cinematic element to this band. The sounds create visuals in your mind and music scores for films or games should be something for the band to consider. It's a trippy track and leads us into the closing track Queen.
It starts off like The Prodigy and the tribal drums kick in. The volume needs to be turned up as the beats just build until we are in full on Pendulum mode. It's the shortest track on here but probably my favourite and it leaves you wanting to hear more.
Honestly, you need to see and hear Vallkyrie, It is rare to find a group who are willing to push boundaries but who also know the limits they can go to. It is controlled and focused and has clear direction. That direction is up. Up to wherever they want to go and whoever they want to take with them.
Review written by Paul Goddard
About Valkyrie
Valkyrie has a dynamic set that caters for a wide audience. They have cover-worthy styling and their live sets are energetic and captivating. Achievements over the years have included a 12 show New Zealand tour, Splore 2018 + 2019 + 2021, Big Gay Out, George in the Park, and opening for Six60 (2021).
Valkyrie’s debut EP went straight to the top of the NZ heatseekers chart. Their recent single Good Thing has shot to over 1000 playlists, and 300k+ streams. It is full to the brim with good vibes and energy, guaranteed to make everyone feel good!
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Valkyrie
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