In The Valley Below are a dark yet romantic duo from Los Angeles, made up of Jeffrey Jacob and Angela Gail, who describe themselves as 'indie dusk, post ghost, sex prog, dark duet', which I believe can be summarised simply as 'synth-rock'. They currently have two EPs (Hymnal and Peaches, both named after their opening tracks), and a single (Stand Up), all of which were released last year. Unfortunately, it appears that currently Stand Up is the only one available to buy on UK iTunes.
The Hymnal EP is possibly the darkest of them all, particularly its title track; all swirling synth and deep harmonies with sharp, staggered guitar coming near the end. Second track Last Soul builds on this, with Jeffrey and Angela seemingly singing to each other, until the chorus when their layers of vocals smother a rhythmic drum beat and yet more hypnotic synthesisers. Finally is Palm Tree Fire, the same style as the rest of the EP but with a slightly more dance-based feel to it and with a synth solo somewhere in the middle.
Their second EP features their most popular song yet: its title track, the wonderfully melodic Peaches - a perfect balance of sweet harmonies, catchy synth and a beat which is hard not to clap along to. The lyrics have a bittersweet quality to them; "we won't live too long, so let's love for one song" the duo croon in the chorus. This EP also features latest single Stand Up, more towards the rock end of synth-rock than the previous tracks and featuring powerful vocals, the opening verse shocks but entices you to listen to the rest (which you should).
I saw In The Valley Below at Leeds festival last year and, although their audience in the Festival Republic tent wasn't huge, they put on a good show. I suppose some would say it was a bit strange when Angela started rattling chains at us like a woman possessed, but it was interesting, it got them talked about and that's all that matters. Written by Molly McGrath
Listen to Hymnal, Peaches and Stand Up below:
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