The Valkarys, formed in Edinburgh, are a psychedelic/garage rock quintet who are thinkers, believers and doers. Their new EP Since I Was Fifteen was released on 28th October on Wrong Way Records, and a live show in Glasgow on the 29th accompanied the release.
Having previously had a spell in London before returning to their native homeland, the band is made up of five unique entities in the form of Scott Dunlop, Sarah Ross, Kier Lavin, Stephen Paget and Wayne Hoy. Their sound is influenced by the a heady mixture of The Beatles, Velvet Underground, The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Bob Dylan and The Verve and when both their back catalogue and this new release is listened to, these shine through in abundance.
The Valkarys have been around some time now; having formed in 2006 they have two EPs and two albums under their belt to date. Debut album The Average can Blind you to the Excellent (2010) was lauded by Carl Barat of The Libertines, who played tracks at his London club nights. This was followed by EPs Psychodelica (a play on words in tribute to two fellow Scottish bands; Primal Scream and Jesus & the Mary Chain) in 2013 and Chloroform in 2014 before second album (Just Like) Flying with God was released in 2015.
A change in line up to bring in a female vocalist occurred and now The Valkarys are set to shine, with this EP offering just a glimpse of what they have to offer.
Consisting of five tracks and opening with ‘Crazy Shoes’, a swooning acoustic guitar number with a catchy riff courtesy of Kier (with more than a passing hint of a Beatles influence) present, this is the perfect track to begin this aural experience. ‘Grandma’ picks up the pace with playful dual vocals from Scott and Sarah and a jangly tambourine completes the ensemble, creating a sway within the music. The upbeat ‘I Cheated Time’ takes off, this summer packed track presents rolling guitar riffs driving the tempo, with rhythmic drumming from Wayne completing the sound.
Title track ‘Since I Was Fifteen’ is the showcase track with guitar slides, a hypnotic melody and Sarah’s vocals soothing the listener into submission. Concluding number ‘The Time’s Today’ has emotive lyrics, beautiful guitars and a probing bass line that Stephen can be proud of.
The Valkarys may not be strangers to this scene, but with this EP they have really stated their intent and one can only wonder what is to follow in its wake.
Order the limited edition coloured vinyl here: http://wrongwayrecords.bigcartel.com/product/the-valkarys-since-i-was-fifteen-limited-edition-orange-vinyl-ep
