Valleyheart - From the Valley to Our Hearts

Once in a while, a band comes along that sweeps you off your feet musically, lyrically, and emotionally. I've been hit by that feeling by a few bands over the years that I feel blessed to have been swept up by. Most notably people know of my devotion (ok, slight obsession) to Depeche Mode. There are other artists that I adore that were hit by that proverbial broom by Depeche Mode too - one being another band that succeeded in sweeping me off my feet in 2006.

She Wants Revenge have just released their third full length studio album, the stunning "Valleyheart" as an homage to where they grew up, the San Fernando Valley. But you don't have to be from the valley to appreciate what they have done here. Like their previous releases, this one if full of driving beats, meaningful lyrics, and the heart beating deep within Justin Warfield and Adam Bravin's souls. "Valleyheart" is less "goth" sounding than "She Wants Revenge" and "This Is Forever" but is still faithful to the sounds that fans have loved from the beginning.

The influence of growing up in the 80s shines through on "Must Be The One" which, to me, could easily fit in with the soundtracks to movies of the day. Perhaps it's my subconscious leading me in that direction having seen Deborah Foreman of "Valley Girl" fame in the video, but "Must Be The One" sounds like it could've been heard in scenes from "Valley Girl," "Fast Times at Ridgemont High," "The Wild Life" and the like.

On first listen, I instantly fell in love with "Not Just a Girl," an achingly beautiful song that will easily rise toward the top of my favorite SWR songs. "Little Stars" reminds me of Dave Gahan's solo work and it would be a dream to hear them perform it together. Other standouts are "Up In Flames," "Kiss Me," "Maybe She's Right," and the very sexy "Take The World." Honestly, though, all of the songs are great - this is an album I will listen to from front to back and back to front again.

It's often noted that the music of She Wants Revenge is obviously influenced by bands like Joy Division, Bauhaus, The Cure, among others. And this album is no exception, hearing influence from Dave Gahan, Jane's Addition, and especially The Pixies on "Holiday Song," along with the previously stated bands. But make no mistake, She Wants Revenge are their own band, making their own music, in their own way. And as long as they continue to do that, they will have a fan in me and the tons of other fans of theirs around the world.

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And go out and get "Valleyheart" from the store, from iTunes, from Amazon, from ANYWHERE!!!

 

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