“You are gently requested to shit like a swan!”
These are the opening lyrics of Valina’s intensely loud and intensely felt third full-length album a tempo! a tempo! Valina, a trio who released its first full-length 11 years ago, has roots in the underground/indie scene of Linz, Austria. But for a band of only three, they have the capacity to blow a listener away.
It’s been five years since the band’s last album, and the time spent writing these songs shows. In addition, a tempo! a tempo! was recorded and mixed by Shellac guitarist and vocalist Steve Albini. Albini has worked with some of the best names in rock music over the years, most notably Nirvana and the Pixies. His influence can be heard in the live-sounding recordings that give Valina a raw edge.
Like so many post-rock groups, it is almost impossible to box Valina’s sound into one genre. Throughout the album they could be categorized as post-punk, noise rock, math rock and even jam band with an alternative edge. Their unique sound is difficult to compare with almost any other band that came before, but there is definite influence from the American underground and punk movements in the pounding beats and guitar riffs of tracks like “Calendaria” and “Eyes Window” and in the vocal styling of “Idiom’s Palace” and “Phantom of My Longest Day.”
The album is filled with noise, but none of it is the least bit random. Varying tempos and irregular beats, well-showcased in the 32 second, percussion-only song “Clock Shock and Freedom,” change multiple times in each piece, showcasing the amazing instrumental talents of Valina’s three members. Beautiful bass lines and melodies in “Belly Dancer” and “Per Sonare” give way to explosions of guitar noise and insane beats from the drums, which are showcased in nearly every song, creating a truly well-rounded collection of songs. Unlike many hard rock bands today that seem to meaninglessly make noise, all the stops, starts, build-ups and falls within each individual song show Valina’s mastery of song writing. Trumpet, saxophone and other brass instruments also join in on various songs to add a jazz-inspired feel that only enhances the band’s unique sound.
Lead singer Anatol Bogendorfer’s voice is unique. Against the storm of noise provided by the instruments, it is almost calm and controlled. Even at the most passionate of moments his voice never turns into the half-scream, half-growl of his fellow alternative rock vocalists.
Valina is fond of surprises and unusual innovation in music. “Mehrklang” starts off with almost a minute of drum solo and ends with all three band members singing in a harmonious round with such beauty and power that it’s sure to send chills up the spine. The last song on the album, “Libido’s Regime,” is nearly eight minutes long and begins with over a minute of low, drawn out moaning from the bass.
Every song in the album is distinctive, from the hammering drums of “Calendaria” to the beautiful duet between bass and guitar in “Belly Dancer” and saxophone driven melody of “Dogged.” And those are only the first three songs.
Mark your calendars, as Valina will be visiting Madison on May 9 to play at The Frequency. Strange creativity and genre blending make Valina one of the best post-rock bands right now, and their incredible talent with instruments and rhythm could only be better live.
4 stars out of 5.