This Could Be A Possibility,
ValenciaWhen will this run ever end? Just like Chelsea in the Premier League, the recent slew of pop-punk releases has a similar unbeatable touch. Race The Sun, Cartel, Fall Out Boy, Panic! At The Disco - it seems each release is better than the last and Valencia haven't let that winning sequence down. Infact, this album - the band's first for I Surrender - could actually be the best of the lot. Yes, it's that good. Whereas FOB are destined for a million seller and Panic! are merely copying their mentors, Valencia have a sound that cross references Over It and Midtown, yet leaves their own slant on things. In short, 'This Could Be A Possibility' is an absolute blinder.
I was lucky enough to be sent a CD-R of this record months in advance of the release date. It's very rare that I listen to a CD for three months solid, but this record has really suckered me in and got me hooked - a bit like Kate Moss' crack addiction. Maybe. Every single song on this record is a winner, from the rasping opening of 'The Space Between', through 'Will We Ever Know How?' to the insanely good closer of 'Away We Go'. Shane Henderson's vocals are magical, while the guitars around him bounce with a catchy verve the likes of New Found Glory have trademarked. There are enough catchy melodies on this record to keep anyone satisfied for months.
Highlights? Every song is a winner for me, but there are a couple of real standout moments. The aforementioned 'Will We Ever Know How?' has an amazing female vocal enter the fray almost three minutes in which adds such an extra warm layer to the song. It's little touches like this which will put the band on the path to stardom. 'Que Sera Sera' is just an absolute ripper, the palm-muted guitars sound crunchy, creating some massive singalong hooks, while 'Eagle Mount Drive' carries on the formula of huge harmonies, catchy choruses and chugging guitars.
Signed to Rob Hitt of Midtown's label, I see no reason why Valencia won't very quickly make their way up the pop-punk ladder. The genre is, on the whole, a bit stale and dull but so many new bands are coming along and breathing new life into it. If any of the bands I've mentioned above float your boat, then Valencia are probably your favourite new band. For a pop-punk CD this has absolutely every ingriedient you could wish to have. If you buy one CD this month, make it this one.
www.valenciamusic.net
I Surrender Records
Paul
