Written over the course of about three years, Valentine has finally come to fruition, and just before Valentine’s Day (what fortuitous timing!)
The product of Dream Delay, a London-based quartet made up of core musicians, singer Lonvy & guitarist SCR, with Juani playing bass and Gian behind the drums.
The song develops in stages. An atmospheric, enchanting opening segment – shimmery and slinky, it feels deeply indebted to the music of the 1980s and early 90s, specifically acts like Cocteau Twins and Mazzy Star – Lonvy’s French accent seeping through rather charmingly – à la Mannequin Flowers. There is also what sounds like an ebow employed in the background – to great, subtle effect.
In time, this gives way to a dirty, gritty solo guitar tone (not a guitar solo) that evolves into sporadic bursts of punky noise, which get larger as the song progresses and ultimately ends. It’s also worth highlighting the vocals again here – with a dramatic power that reminds us a bit of a less overblown Florence Welch, which is really saying something.
Valentine concludes abruptly, which feels like as much of a surprise as the change in musical styles did approximately 50 seconds ago. We did not expect that. This one won’t be easily forgotten.
Written by Kinda Grizzly
