Valaska's "Natural Habitat" Album Review

I have to preface this post with a short statement. When you're doing music journalism, you get a lot of opportunities to review different albums and shows. Not all of them are quite your style or things you would necessarily listen to or tell your friends excitedly about. So far I've tried to keep my personal website (though I do other work) limited to things I can sincerely talk up, because this isn't to make money or gain recognition for things I don't believe in. Besides getting my style of writing out there, I love helping bands and musicians who I really feel deserve it.

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And on that note, Valaska blew me away. When I first checked out the songs that were available online, before I heard the album, I was pretty impressed. I liked their sound; it was very soft and melodic, and definitely the type of music I often listen to. When I got the album, I started playing it and I couldn't stop. I literally could not stop playing it on repeat, for days. DAYS! I couldn't believe what a gem this album was and that I hadn't heard about this amazing band sooner.

When I found out that it was one guy, I became even more impressed. Multi-talented Dave Valdez definitely gives one-man bands a run for their money on this incredible album that he created with the producing and engineering help of Copeland's Aaron Marsh. I can only imagine the levels his music would rise on a live stage with a full band.

I've recently gone through a couple of hardships and I'm constantly looking for music which helps me get through painful experiences. The actual quality of the songs aside (which is stellar), each one hit home with me. From the first song, On the Surface, which reminds me a little bit of old DCFC and a little bit of City and Colour, to Golden Age, which made me reminisce Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots by The Flaming Lips. In Voids and Natural Habitat took my heart with their profound lyrics and especially soulful vocals.

Every song had something to offer, and while a couple of them reminded me in part of other bands' music, Valaska has its own sound which is distinct and memorable. This alone stood out to me, after listening to so many bands and artists over the years that blend together in a fairly acceptable, but forgettable manner. I'm always looking for bands that not only have a great sound, but who sound different and aren't afraid to make the music they want to make, and seem to have a passion and love for doing so. I personally think that you can feel that love for music in a musician or band's songs, and that makes the listening experience so enjoyable. While Valaska certainly deserves recognition in the indie world, I would be surprised if it was long before they get signed.

Natural Habitat Cover Art

I smiled, I swooned, and I cried. (YES, music makes me cry, okay?!) I have never fallen in love with a band so quickly. It's safe to say that this is my favorite album of 2013, if not in the past year altogether. So right now I put my reputation on the line (as I do with these reviews) and genuinely tell you that you're missing out if you don't have this album. If you know what's good for you, buy it as soon as you possibly can. Time is ticking. You are losing valuable listening time. Seriously, if I haven't sold you yet, check out the adorable album art. How could you possibly say "no" to that cute face?

If you want to check Valaska out, you can do so on Facebook, their website, Bandcamp, and Twitter.


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Metric and Half Moon Run @ The Greek Theater 10/9/12

     On a breezy evening in Los Angeles, California, Half Moon Run took the stage, kicking off the evening and opening up for a much anticipated Metric concert. The Montreal based band got the crowd excited, with songs off of their debut album (2012) Dark Eyes. Three talented guys make the group a strong trio, whose music has been described as both traditional folk and electronic. Whatever genre they may be placed in, they certainly have a unique sound. I had the pleasure of meeting the band briefly during intermission, at which time they shook my hand and although they were already engaged in conversation, they behaved like complete gentleman. For me personally, this added a certain charm to their observed on stage presence and their sound.

     As the seats filled post-intermission, you could clearly hear the buzz and excitement of all the fans of the Canadian born band, Metric. For most of the concert-goers on this Tuesday evening, it would be their first time seeing Metric perform live. That was true for myself, and I was beyond excited to get to see one of my favorite bands play. I wondered how they would handle the set-list, due to the fact that they had just released their newest album, Synthetica. And handle it well, they did! They managed to impress me greatly with a combination of songs from each of their albums, but understandably focusing on their last two: Fantasies being the one previously released three-four years ago.

     As they opened with the first song on Synthetica, "Artificial Nocturne," I was impressed to see and hear that the majority of the fans in the crowd knew the song well enough to sing along. This followed suit with each of the songs throughout the evening that the band played off of their new album. I clearly underestimated Metric's fanbase and their ability to swiftly memorize the lyrics. I was equally impressed with Emily Haine's stage presence and with her versatile voice that I had previously enjoyed for so many years on their albums.

    All in all, Metric's beautiful songs paired with the energy at the Greek Theater and with the beautiful light show, made for an unforgettable concert.

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Lemonade - Kyle Castellani's New Feature Song & Album

When Kyle asked me if I wanted to hear his new song "Lemonade" a week or two ago, I had to contain myself. Of course I would be thrilled to listen to an unreleased song! I was expecting something along the lines of what I had heard thus far, which has never let me down or disappointed me (including the songs I had heard so far from Lemonade before it was released - at live shows and on his website) but I could never have prepared myself for the flood of emotions I experienced listening to "Lemonade." It would be an understatement to say the song simply "failed to disappoint."

The song moved me so much that it took me a couple of days to actually respond and let him know what I thought of it - and when I did, embarrassingly enough, the words wouldn't stop coming. Kyle is an underrated, amazing musician who will hopefully get the recognition he so deserves. Just by this song alone being a sign of what's to come, I thought, he truly is going places.

Lemonade specifically, is a very soft and emotional song which moved me to tears. (I may be a woman, but I am not a crier.) Tears actually fell out of my eyes.

Kyle expresses himself perfectly through meaningful, deep lyrics and strong, versatile vocals. His range is incredible and I am consistently blown away by his finished products. Having been sent "Lemonade" for a preview, I had officially heard every single song on the album before its release (today, August 1st, 2012) by way of online teasers and live shows, I think it's safe to say that I have ground to stand on with my review saying that this is definitely my favorite album of 2012.

I really only intended to write a review for "Lemonade", but I got a bit carried away. (Not unusual for me...)

If you like beautiful lyrics and acoustic music, (with the added bonus that he actually sounds just as good live - so you're not getting some butchered, auto-tuned album) you'll want to get this CD!

To buy it on iTunes, visit: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/lemonade/id549621894

(You can find out more about Kyle and his current West Coast tour at http://www.reverbnation.com/kylecastellani)

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Kyle Castellani Goes Solo - An Interview

     After Nural broke up in 2010, Kyle Castellani continued to make music on his own. (Sweet, beautiful, soulful music.) Now, though the band is back together working on their new album, he is embarking on a Northwestern tour and will soon be releasing his new album! He was gracious enough to give me an interview, I hope you enjoy it and if you've never heard Nural or his solo music, be sure to check him out through the links at the bottom of the post! (You can definitely check him out even if you have heard of Nural, too.)

Me: What made you decide to go solo and is this part of the reason that Nural broke up?

 (I ask this question a bit hesitantly because I know Nural is releasing an album - which confuses my other questions about whether or not Nural is back together for good? Or just releasing the album? But we'll leave this question on its own.)

Kyle: I went solo for the simple reason that I needed to play music again. I wasn’t sure whether to start a new band or join one of the bands that asked me to sing for them, so I finally said, “fuck it”, and just started writing so much and singing so much and playing so much guitar and piano that it left no room for anything or anyone in my life BUT music. It was strange times, but I came out the other side with a heightened appreciation for music and a better understanding of what I needed to do. Nural was broken up for a long time before I decided to do the solo thing, and by playing so much music on my own it made me realize how much I missed being in a band. Hence the reformation of Nural… So actually the solo stuff brought Nural back together, not the other way around.

Me: Are you planning to stick with the solo career or do you have plans to stay both with Nural while pursuing your solo dreams?

Kyle: I’m kinda just playing it by ear. I’ve made some commitments to the solo stuff that I’m gonna see through, but Nural takes priority. There will always be time for my own music, but playing in a band is too much fun.

Me: I'm curious to know what your personal process is like for writing music and how it differs from when you were writing music for Nural?

Kyle: Writing music with Nural is a collective effort where we all have to be on the same page. When I write for me, I just have to make sure I like it and the recording captures the vision I have. Anyone who can listen to my solo material and enjoy it and identify with it not only gets me, but vise versa. It’s basically a glimpse in to my head and heart and puts the essence of who I am on blast! It can be vulnerable to share, but it’s all the more rewarding when people relate.

Me: I'm sure your fans are interested to know, what are your plans for your tour and full-length album release?

Kyle: I plan to tour the west coast in august and play as many places as often as possible! I’ve already got the calendar more than half full of dates and places I’ll be, you can check all of that out online. I plan to release Lemonade online for free download on certain sites and have it on iTunes while also selling it along with Pseudo Romance on the tour! It’s been a busy summer with more ahead, but it’s so fun that it’s hardly work!

Me: Finally, I just want to thank you not only for taking the time to answer questions for me, but for the music you've made over the years, both with Nural and your solo music. There are very few bands/musicians that I've felt a real connection with their music, you and Nural being one of them. Your music has actually helped me get through a lot of hardships and even a few breakups! So, thank you for that. 

Kyle: You are more than welcome. That means a lot that my music could have such an impact.

Thanks for listening, and like I said earlier, you get me, and vise versa. :)

If you like passionate, versatile vocals and genuinely deep lyrics, check Kyle's music out on Facebook, Twitter, and Reverbnation!

https://www.facebook.com/kylecastellanimusic, https://twitter.com/kylecastellani, 
and http://www.reverbnation.com/kylecastellani.


    Pictures taken by me @ Leo's All Star Bar in La Crescenta, CA - Saturday, 7 July, 2012. (c)

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