“Heaven’s Doorway (Midnight Reprise)” has been stuck in my head for weeks now. Is it the relatable lyricism? The vulnerability? The catchy riffage? The effortless merging of shoegaze, jazz and garage rock?
The answer lies in what personifies Club Valley’s new double EP The Sun Behind the Curtain and The Waysides. The magnetic duo wear their hearts on their sleeves like never before, leaving us with the quiet faith that better days are ahead.
Vocalist and guitarist Nigel Sibanda notes that their music is shaped by a search for meaning and self-acceptance. “There are a lot of unpleasantries in the world,” he says, “but there’s also always a shining sun.”
Tracks like “Riverside” evoke a kind of timeless pursuit of love, even when the world feels unkind, while “anewtorment” is a beautifully forlorn acoustic offering that brings to mind “All Flowers In Time Bend Towards The Sun” – the forever iconic, unreleased single by Jeff Buckley and Elizabeth Fraser.
Drummer Jason Williams describes each of these tracks as “an anthem for all those who seek and feel denied.” The music reflects this spirit of resilience, paired with Nigel’s vulnerable yet assertive vocal delivery and the crescendo of grungier undertones.
“WALLFLOWER” is brilliantly evocative of The Smashing Pumpkins circa Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, while “JOZI BY THE SEA” and “abandonallurfearz” bring a surprising touch of indie-folk – something we’ve never heard from Club Valley.
And then there’s “weepingoverfallenblossoms” – yet another unexpected left-turn in the direction of emo rap. Tinged by electronic production and a healthy dose of vocal processing, it seems like there’s really nothing these guys can’t do.
Oscillating between dreamy shoegaze and sharp garage-rock, Club Valley feel both intimate and expansive on this double release, navigating various genres without losing their distinct sound. From the lush, swirling guitars to the tightly woven rhythms, it’s easy to get lost wandering the anguished landscapes of Nigel and Jason’s minds.
When asked what message they hope to convey to listeners, Nigel’s answer is straightforward: “That there’s a miracle on the other side of fear.” And he’s right.
Swapping out their trademark grunge and bashing drums for a softer touch, this is Club Valley at their most raw; their most intimate. Stripped of all disguises, they stand before us and lay themselves bare. This is real artistry. This is what music is really about.
