Musically stunning and original are some of the first phrases that pop into my mind when reflecting on just how remarkably creative and inventive this mammoth 17-track opus is. The eclectic act known as Major Parkinson has never been an easy thing to classify or label, and Valesa – Chapter I: Velvet Prison luckily does nothing to change that. Regardless, it is their most focused and cohesive piece of work yet, and hardly anything seems superfluous or out of place on the record.
The warm, intimate vocals and shimmering soundscapes conjure up vivid feelings of beauty and bedazzlement, and due to the clever and inspired way in which the group has merged synth pop, progressive rock, art rock, singer-songwriter, and a touch of the avantgarde, there is a passionate intensity to these compositions that is incredibly convincing. Poetic and dreamlike on the one hand and poignant and full of moments of deep contemplation on the other, Valesa is stuffed with big ideas, wonderful surprises, and heaps of ambition. The soul-soothing ‘Sadlands’ recalls Leonard Cohen and Nick Cave whereas ‘Fantasia Me Now!’ reminds me slightly of early Depeche Mode and New Order. ‘Velvet Moon’ is both haunting and carnivalesque, and if such atmospheric and brilliantly conceived tunes as ‘Posh-Apocalypse’, ‘Irina Margareta’, and ‘The House’ are not progressive in nature then what is? This is nothing less than a triumph, and just wait until you start exploring the lyrics and theme of the output. A personal favorite is the half-way aggressive ‘MOMA’ as that one encapsulates the variety and adventurous spirit of Valesa perfectly.
A mandatory purchase? You bet! The soundtrack to an unsettling sense of nostalgia? You will simply have to experience this richly textured and explorative gem yourself in order to find out. There is a ring of something momentous to this hugely rewarding listening experience and you need it in your collection. It is as simple as that really.
Apollon Records will release this beauty in early October.
