America isn't the place to be right now. With our economy on the fritz, a presidential office up for grabs, and wars in both Iraq and Afghanistan, the land of the free is on dangerously shaky ground. Of course, none of this has swayed U.K. born singer-songwriter Ed Vallance from crossing the great Atlantic and setting up shop in Southern California in pursuit of that often times elusive dream of pop significance. He dropped his debut CD "The Modern Life" on the cusp of his move from London to Los Angeles, a move that began a drastic shift in perspective. The album filled with songs that speak to the chaotic times that we're living in, and that plays tricks with your heart as well as your mind. The record starts off dipped in just a touch of melancholia, but the lilting melodies and sun drenched rhythm guitar quickly churn through the rain towards a brighter path. All politics aside, one should not overlook the fact that Vallance has honest and urgent album that is easy on the ears and heavy on the mind.There are some sunny California feel good songs on "The Modern Life" underlining his transcontinental existence of late. The result is a heady mix of Brit pop, meshed with a slight hint of folk, and west coast Psychedelia all wrapped up in a catchy melodic coating. "Silent Sun" is one of songs from album, it sidesteps again with its gentle acoustic and chilled laid-back presentation. Vallance went to the San Diego desert with the uber-talented and downright beautiful Autumn Hruby to make a video for "Silent Sun," starring actress Rhona Mitra.
Vallance is a truly unique new talent. He has one of the most singular voices in Indie Rock, and songs that stay with you. When I heard his voice it was instant, I wanted to hear more. I love his groove, and his vocal attitude. He creates his own world and he welcomes you to come in and listen. He has so many great songs and his music is super soulful and, at times, reminds me of golden age David Bowie. With one ear solidly rooted in classic British songwriting styles from Ray Davies and the Kinks to Supergrass, and the other schooled in the sonic approach of bands like Spiritualized and Galaxy 500, Vallance has honed his craft into a focused blend of pointed pop melodies and the ethereal qualities of his predecessors above.
Vallance is now moved to Brooklyn and happily settled in New York to working on his new EP "The Summer Fire," a concise snapshot of the wide array of talents Vallance possesses in his arsenal, that is due this Fall, he has taken his music to a new level - a high water mark in what has already been an acclaimed career. A lyricist and songwriter of great ability, and possessed of a singularly arresting voice, his music is pop in it's widest form but draws on a vision of popular music more in tune with 70s artist than the current incarnation. There's an ethereal quality to 'Vallance's music, a wide-open sonic landscape that feels like psychedelia shot through Cinescope. He eager to find a new and broader audience for his music. He concludes, "I've traveled halfway around the world for this music. It's exciting to up and leave and to follow your instinct. My hope is that some of that excitement has rubbed off on the record."
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