Artists to Watch

This periodic Earvolution feature highlights up and coming artists we think you should get to know. We are always on the lookout for emerging talent, so if you have any recommendations, or if you would like to submit your own music for review, contact us at hilltownmedia@gmail.com.


The Valley
I whole-heartedly embraced the recent resurgence of new wave/brit-pop because it was a such sweet, nostalgic reminder of the melodic, danceable sound that marked my geeky tween 80's years. It was fun, it was smart and most importantly it was a refreshing change from that rap-rock mess they tried to package as "alternative. " But I fear the end of my synthesizer-induced euphoria is near. I really miss being rocked. That realization smacked me pretty hard while listening to the The Valley's self-titled EP released by The Swingline. The great thing is that with this band, I can have my melody and rock out too. Comparisons are often trite, but this Seattle area band is so representative of that late 80's/early 90's Seattle sound that you can't deny the obvious influence of their geography. They have big fuzzy Mudhoney-like guitars and the catchy Pixies-inspired melodies of the more highly consumed grunge bands. This trio restored my faith in rock and kept me grinning through all eight songs on their EP. Check a couple of their mp3's, including a live performance at KEXP, here.

(photo by Ryan Schierling at www.aural-fixation.com)

Artists to Watch Update: Two former Artists to Watch are competing for a chance to play at South by Southwest. Justin Jones is competing tonight at the Austin Grill in Silver Spring, MD at 8:30. Monopoli will compete Saturday the 19th at Continental Modern Pool Lounge in Arlington, VA. If you are in the DC area, be sure to stop by and give them your support. More information about the contests can be found here. What we wrote about Justin Jones last year can be found here and Monopoli here.