Young Valley – Young Valley
Self Released via Dial Back Sound – 20 April 2018
Young Valley are a newish Americana five-piece from Jackson, Mississippi, built around songwriters Spencer Thomas and twin brothers Zach and Dylan Lovett, with the rhythm section provided by bassist Ethan Frink and drummer Spencer Thomas, their eponymous sophomore release augers well with its balance of ballads and more southern infused rock. It’s the former that gets the ball rolling with the slow-paced, reflective Burnt Out with its pedal steel and Dylan’s prominent electric guitar. Things kick up the tempo with both Hang Me and the punky surge of I Hope It Kills You before shades of The Band and Lynyrd Skynyrd both find their way into the midtempo Cool Blue, harmonica, fiddle and pedal steel driving along the twang guitar sound of Precious Thing.
Save for the steady beat and electric guitar forged break-up number Till I Cross Your Mind and the penultimate rockabilly bounce of the choogling Howlin’, the latter half of the album mostly keeps things reined back with the acoustic strummed honky tonk waltz Song For Darlin and the Eagles-ish pedal steel streaked heartbreak and jealousy based Without You. It ends with another laid back, gentle slow shuffle with what sounds like upright bass guiding The Least We Can Do around the dance floor. While not perhaps strong enough for a national breakout, they’re definitely heading in the right direction.
Upcoming Live Dates
May 4th- Hey Joe’s (Cleveland, Mississippi)
May 18th- Blue Canoe (Tupelo, Mississippi)
May 19th- The Local (Nashville, TN)
May 24th- Thirsty Hippo (Hattiesburg, Mississippi)
May 25th- Siberia (New Orleans, Louisiana)
May 26th- Government St. Grocery (Ocean Springs, MS)
June 1st- Georgia Theater Rooftop (Athens, GA)
June 14th- White Water Tavern (Little Rock, AR)
June 15th- Maxine’s (Hot Springs, AR)
(Summer West Coast dates to be announced soon)
Photo Credit: Walter Lyle