Valley

Single review by Gabrielle Groves

In the music world, breakups are one of the most common topics written about. Valley, an alternative pop band from Canada, experienced somewhat of a breakup themselves when their guitarist, Mickey Brandolino, departed the band earlier this year to become a full-time producer. This was a sad announcement for the remaining members and fans while wishing him the very best. 

Four months later, the now-trio Rob Laska (lead vocalist), Alex Dimauro (bassist), and Karah James (drummer) wiped the band’s Instagram clean and left a video with the caption “good morning, you’re listening to a band called valley” as their only post. They continued to drop clues on social media almost every day for the next couple of weeks until they announced their new single ‘When You Know Someone’ on May 1st.

On May 10th, listeners heard Laska’s familiar voice count at the beginning of ‘When You Know Someone’ before singing about someone leaving unexpectedly when you thought things were going well with them. The folksy, summer-like song features bass from Dimauro as well as drums and harmonica from James. The song shows the pain of a breakup with deep lyricism written by the band, Chase Lawrence of COIN, and singer-songwriter Trent Dabbs. Lawrence also has producer credits on the track. Valley shot a live performance video at a water treatment plant with the band’s intent to reflect on the “very empty, yet scenic” nature of the song.