Experiencing the joy and euphoria that is Canadian band Valley wrapping up their first Australian tour at Max Watts in Melbourne was an absolute treat. This genuine, humble and energetic band is deeply rooted in friendship and 90’s nostalgia, coupled with a ‘good vibes only’ aura and positive outlook that radiates to its fans. The intimate venue was perfectly suited to the spirited set, with laid back crowd clearly smitten by the band, although I foresee bigger venues in the future for this wonderful band who have generated a legion of adoring fans in just 4 short years since their debut album release.
The crowd were young, diverse and happy, yet somewhat subdued (these youthful punters are still emerging from their Covid caves when it comes to live music and that is totally understandable – this observation only coming from an experienced music journalist that has seen 20 years of gigs in her time). Opening with their third album and tour titular track Lost In Translation it was clear Valley band members (lead singer Rob Laska, guitarist Michael “Mickey” Brandolino, bassist Alex Dimauro, and drummer Karah James) were so excited to be playing in Melbourne for the first time and were so appreciative of fan support. Working their way quickly through the beginning of the set, they transitioned without skipping a beat to Throwback Tears, Cure and There’s Still a Light in the House, before the iconic Sucks To See You Doing Better pepped up the crowd and Oh Shit…Are We in Love? saw the audience participation grow ten-fold as their earnest fans sung the chorus in unison.
Nevermind was used as a tool to pump up the crowd further, and Break For You saw Laska jump into the front row of punters, leaning out to grab one adoring fans’ hand who was singing every lyric back to him – it was such a pure moment of connection and so awesome to witness.
The remarkable chemistry and camaraderie between the bandmates was so evident as they interacted and fed off each others’ energy. Good But Not Together slowed the pace but not the enthusiasm as a back light shone on Laska and the audience chorused the song’s melody. A Phone Call in Amsterdam was met by delighted applause. Laska was extremely obliging of fans, grabbing front row phones and happily twirling for video selfies. He even donned a pair of sunglasses and a very cool replica ‘Maybe’ denim jacket modelled off Valley’s debut album cover. Laska was so moved by the gift that he changed up the song set after Either Way, I’m going your Way to Sports Car from the Maybe record.
The band formed in 2014 and their first album came out in 2019, but it feels like a lifetime of songs have been produced by this band, so earnest is that beautiful nostalgic feeling that radiates from each, like you’d heard them before in your teenage dreams. Seeing the crowd sing back every lyric word for word with eyes not moving from the stage was a level of fandom appreciation that has meaning on a much deeper level.
Society was as fun as I had imagined it would be performed live, whilst a rendition of Smash Mouth’s All Star came as a welcome surprise which ended in a unified chant. Like 1999 was amazing and honestly quite surreal, considering I was born in 1983 and watching Friends in the 90’s was my actual teenage era, so the nostalgia was joyful (although I can’t say the same for the feeling of possibly being the oldest person in the room…).
With encore Hiccup rounding out the set, it was evident that the missed musical opportunities were Champagne and Swim (both of which would have been epic live and part of this set, especially considering it was Valley’s first Australian tour), but Laksa took the opportunity to emit more positivity by telling audience members that the best thing to do in life is to just try, which as simple as it seems, really is some of the best life advice you can receive. It was a wholesome, energetic, joyful and wonderful set (with one of the most respectful crowds I’ve experienced in a long time – kudos to you, Melbourne!) – I for one cannot wait for this Canadian 4-piece to return to Aussie shores soon.
