STRANGE VALLEYS

You know, for a band named Starving Daughters, I was really expecting something darker sounding, or at the very least not as gloriously funky and happy sounding as this. Each song is a short, groovy, atmospheric track that captures a certain feel or image, often something very summery in nature, with the tone used on the synth. The basslines and synths are definitely what I'd consider the star of the show here, although nothing is particularly weak, all increasing the general enjoyability the album possesses.

Sunburn definitely encapsulates what this album has to offer perfectly,each instrument having a distinct role, being led by the bass and synth. The followup track, Nightstalker, proves to be an even better song, with some amazing guitar melodies combined with a very relaxing feel to it, all topped off with a lovely synth solo. The music continues with this very similar sort of sound for quite a while, most songs with some degree of identity, whether it be the slower section of Raw Deal or the slightly darker edge that the synths in Al Pastor have, leading to a sonically consistent album that still throws in enough twists and turns to be highly enjoyable. Another interesting point is Joshua Tree, which sounds like a more trippy version of Porcupine Tree's Last Chance To Evacuate Planet Earth Before It's Recycle. Some of my personal favourite songs here are the afformentioned Nightstalker, which I just find to be absolutely amazing, the fast paced Pursuit, momentarily abandoning the breezy jazziness of the songs in favour of a faster paced song, fitting in with its title quite well. My absolute favourite is undoubtedly Neon Traffic however, which embraces the psychedelic side of the band fully, with such a wonderful groove and amazing synth sound. While there isn't a moment in which I find myself being bored by this album, one issue I do have is that despite the variation between songs, there aren't too many points on the album in which I am truly amazed, instead simply finding the album as a whole to be largely enjoyable.

Despite this complaint, it still doesn't take away from the fact that this is a really enjoyable album all the way through, and one that I would wholeheartedly recommend to those who enjoy this sort of synth heavy, psychedelic funk. I definitely will looke forward to any future albums that this band releases, as this is a great album perfect for almost any situation.

Best songs: Nightstalker, Pursuit, Neon Traffic

Weakest songs: none

Verdict: I'd highly recommend this album to most people, as it's a great, easy listen that can capture a mood amazingly while also backing it up with excellent melody and groove.