VALERIE (Norway) – Promotional EP (2012)
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VALERIE is a young and ambitious melodic hard rock band from Arendal; a small town in southern Norway. They just released their indie self titled 8-track debut album through various Norwegian music shops.
The official international release date through online retailers such as Amazon, iTunes, etc. is still to be announced.
Meanwhile, we have a taste of Valerie’s talent.
The style of Valerie is pure melodic hard rock with a sound and style influenced by ’80s acts like Icon, Dalton or Dokken, aiming for big, sing-along choruses and guitar riffs, along with blistering guitar solos and soaring vocal harmonies.
Valerie is 1987 in 2012… with an updated sound.
On these tracks this young band shows the maturity of a seasoned veteran group; from the killer guitar work by BT Valerie (not to mention his vocals) to the uplifting midsection of bassist Augustus Clark and drummer Erlend Omdal, complemented by the crunchy rhythm guitar of Magnus Christiansen.
Valerie rocks with “Vixen”, which has a contagious melodic rhythm that reminds you Swedes Dalton. The chorus is instant and catchy in a typical eighties fashion.
“When Two Hearts Collide” brings back memories of the great Scandi AOR sound of Da Vinci and Skagarack, delivering a wonderful commercial melodic line absolutely radio-ready.
“Taste The Bullet” shows Valerie’s distinct and diverse sound. This track has a touch of American band Icon (Night Of The Crime) to the music. The CD artwork featuring a ‘patchwork’ is reminiscent of Icon’s album as well. Kich ass tune.
“Love Is Like A Heart Attack” is a lovable guitar driven / backing vocals galore, a melodic hard rock blockbuster with a fist-pumping anthem structure built to rock the arenas. This was recorded in 1987? No, this is Valerie 2012.
Valerie is pure ’80s melodic hard rock / AOR, blending styles & sounds from both sides of the Atlantic.
For an indie recording this stuff has a superb production, perfectly capturing the essence of that era in all aspects.
Kudos to these young capable musicians for carrying the Golden Eighties torch, and not succumb to the modern rock garbage.
Can’t wait for the full album. Highly Recommended.
01 – Vixen
02 – When Two Hearts Collide
03 – Taste The Bullet
04 – Love Is Like A Heart Attack
BT Valerie – Lead Vocals, Guitars
Erlend Omdal – Drums, Backing Vocals
Augustus W.Clark – Bass, Keyboards, Backing Vocals
Magnus Christiansen – Guitars, Backing Vocals
International release date TBA soon.
