Valencia - We All Need a Reason to Believe

[Drew Beringer]

Valencia - We All Need A Reason To Believe
Release Date: August 26, 2008
Record Label: Columbia

Pop-punk is dead.

Okay, so maybe that isn’t as great or grand as the statement Nas made in 2007 about hip-hop, but it still applies here. Once a genre full of camaraderie, energy, and statements has become stale, as bands are more concerned with their neon clothes, swooping hair cuts, and which 17 year old groupie they are going to nail tonight. Pop punk is dead. And like Nas tried to resurrect his genre, we need a band that can breathe new life into pop-punk.

This band is Valencia.

The band’s debut, 2005’s This Could Be A Possibility, was overall a good album, displaying themes and vibes that brought back memories of quality pop-punk, but their Columbia Records debut, We All Need A Reason To Believe takes the Philadelphia quintet’s sound to the next level. Produced by Ariel Rechtshaid (We Are Scientists, Plain White T’s), We All Need A Reason To Believe features eleven tracks that are fast, raw, and pack an emotional punch the majority of the bands in the genre fail to generate.

Like a wave crashing into the shore, “Better Be Prepared” kicks off the album with huge guitars and big vocals from Shane Henderson. It’s a kick in the seat of your pants, as you’ve just been buckled into the ride. “Holiday” is a catchy toe-tapper, as the duel guitar riffs from Brendan Walter and JD Perry anchor the track.

Valencia does a great job of delivery throughout, as they fuse the slower, quieter parts with the big and fast, thus avoiding little monotony on the album. Strings and bells blend beautifully with the huge outro on “Where Did You Go?,” while “Carry On” channels some Ben Folds.

The one song that screams “I’m a huge single!” is “All At Once,” a dramatic song that’ll sweep you away. Henderson’s vocal delivery is absolutely perfect on this track, the vindication in his voice is sharp and frantic. And when the strings join the “whoa-oh’s” and frenetic riffs in the bridge, it gives me chills.

There are very few missteps on We All Need A Reason To Believe,, as the album never lets up. “Can’t See Myself” follows the formula seen on the entire album, yet still remains fresh, as the rhythm section of bassist George Ciukurescu and drummer Maxim Soria give the song personality. “Free” closes the album in huge fashion. Soria is unrelenting on the kit, as the track is full of moxie and needlepoint guitar riffs. And once again, Henderson’s vocals just absolutely kill, as this final track is just the icing on the cake.

So maybe pop-punk isn’t dead yet, as long as bands like Valencia are producing music, we can always have hope that heart, passion, sweat, and intensity will still be pouring out from the genre. We All Need A Reason To Believe is a great album; it can be light and heavy at the same, invoking all of your emotions during its 40 minute run time. Perhaps the genre has never been dead, and Valencia provides the reason for us to believe in it again.

Track Listing:
1. Better Be Prepared
2. Holiday
3. Where Did You Go?
4. Head In Head
5. Carry On
6. All At Once
7. Safe To Say
8. Listen Up
9. Can’t See Myself
10. The Good Life
11. Free
Produced by: Ariel Rechtshaid

Valencia are:
Shane Henderson – vocals
JD Perry – guitar
Maxim Soria – drums
George Ciukurescu – bass
Brendan Walter – guitar

Official Website (http://www.valenciamusic.net); Official Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/Valencia); Official AP.net Profile (http://www.absolutepunk.net/Valencia)

[pand75]

You didn't happen to get 3 copies of this album now, would you? :-). And that was a great review, love the ending line.

[sjb2k1]

cannot wait to hear this.

[carsancalor1es]

can't freaking wait..

[hockeyguitar99]

This is a fabulous album.

[G apostrophe Ra]

Good review, Drew. I've always thought their first record showed sparks of huge potential, but ultimately failed to deliver with consistency. Stoked to hear the improvements on this record.

[zubinmoosa]

So Excited!

[eucademix]

can't wait!

[Sic Transit Zeb]

so pumped. I liked their first album, and I really like the first 3 tracks I've got of this one. I can't wait.

[zubinmoosa]

so pumped. I liked their first album, and I really like the first 3 tracks I've got of this one. I can't wait.
i decided not to do the 3 track thing. I like to listen to albums as a whole, and i think it would ruin it for me to get a portion early. But from how good people are telling me the songs are, i am beginning to regret it...

[Sic Transit Zeb]

i decided not to do the 3 track thing. I like to listen to albums as a whole, and i think it would ruin it for me to get a portion early. But from how good people are telling me the songs are, i am beginning to regret it...

i understand what you're sayign and I'm the same way, except I can't wait ha

[Alex DiVincenzo]

Glad to hear that it's living up to the hype. Can't wait to finally hear it.

[NoSurprises]

I cannot wait for the album. :-)

[dat scene kid]

Nice. Been awhile since TCBAP so I'm stoked to hear some new stuff, especially after this review. Well-written and definitely got me even more excited.

[DI Pistola]

Good review, Drew. I've always thought their first record showed sparks of huge potential, but ultimately failed to deliver with consistency. Stoked to hear the improvements on this record.

Exactly how I felt about it too. Why August?? X-)
Why not tomorrow?

[Daniel Thompson]

hmmm i should probably have a listen.

[seraph1214]

This album seems so far away. I can't wait for 8/26.

[SandManTEND13]

Great Review! I am excited to listen to this album, I am not fond of the title though it sounds like the new X Files movie title

[industrialbelt]

fast? raw? emotional punch? count me in. you sure know how to tease a man, drew.

[Chris Fallon]

Excited to hear this. Hope it lives up the hype. I need a refreshing pop-punk album.

[EchoPark]

:appl: Solid review Drew. Looking forward to hearing the album.

[Loch_Doun]

Hit The Lights deserves some credit also for creating quality pop punk in this scene

[MJSchmidt]

Hit The Lights deserves some credit also for creating quality pop punk in this scene
I agree with you as well. Skip School was an album I thought was excellent. Anyways I think Drew wrote a nice quality review here. I was not expecting him to say that this hits fast the whole way for the most part. I was kind of expecting there to be one or two slow numbers for some reason. I also agree with the person who said This Could Be A Possibility had its moments. From the couple songs I heard live, the demo of Holiday, and now this review, my expectations and anticipation have risen. So stoked for this now. Maybe this and HTL can tide me over until New Found Glory comes out.

[nashiscash1324]

im still excited!

[allisterkid]

Pop punk for life yo!

Thanks I never listened to these guys but now I'm gonna be sure to check this album out.

[cscwell107]

I really cant wait for this album. Im gonna explode. I loved TCBAP and I think im gonna love this album even more.

[fadedmemories]

nice review especially the last paragraph

[bloodyr0mance87]

good review. whenever i hear these guys i remember what it is i LOVE about pop-punk. they just nail it and make me think about the first time i heard albums like Leaving Through the Window, New Found Glory, and Say It Like You Mean It and was just floored. i can't wait for this album to drop.

Hit The Lights deserves some credit also for creating quality pop punk in this scene

there is much truth to this statement. it's bands like HTL and Valencia, who place an emphasis on being great dudes that make honest, compelling music, that will take pop-punk back from a lot of the other newer bands who are (much) more style than substance.

[CellarGhosts]

There are plenty of bands infinitely better than Valencia keeping pop-punk alive. Most of them are older, seasoned bands though, or new groups formed from the demise of previous bands.

It's a well-written review but honestly, I cannot understand the buzz surrounding this band or Hit the Lights at all. :shrug:

[sowrongitsryan]

There are plenty of bands infinitely better than Valencia keeping pop-punk alive. Most of them are older, seasoned bands though, or new groups formed from the demise of previous bands.

It's a well-written review but honestly, I cannot understand the buzz surrounding this band or Hit the Lights at all. :shrug:
the difference between hit the lights and valencia is that the htl buzz isn't deserved. valencia's new album is 10x better than htl's

[CellarGhosts]

the difference between hit the lights and valencia is that the htl buzz isn't deserved. valencia's new album is 10x better than htl's
I guess I'll have to take everyone's word for it and listen to this album then. I've listened to Valencia before and honestly wasn't very impressed. Then again, it was only two songs.

[sowrongitsryan]

I guess I'll have to take everyone's word for it and listen to this album then. I've listened to Valencia before and honestly wasn't very impressed.
much, much better than their debut

[CellarGhosts]

much, much better than their debut
That's good to hear, then. I'll listen to this and decide for myself, I guess.

[tait]

cannot wait

[Sic Transit Zeb]

That's good to hear, then. I'll listen to this and decide for myself, I guess.

the 1st album was like starting a rookie QB. Showed some greatness but was bad in other parts. I think, and from what I've heard myself, this album will be much better and refined.

[SandManTEND13]

how does everyone get these advance copys of cds?! I must know!! ahhh

[CellarGhosts]

the 1st album was like starting a rookie QB. Showed some greatness but was bad in other parts. I think, and from what I've heard myself, this album will be much better and refined.
Good analogy, haha.

[sowrongitsryan]

how does everyone get these advance copys of cds?! I must know!! ahhh
go review for a website. it becomes overwhelming after a while haha

[WhiteLies.]

Great review. I absolutely cannot wait for this album to come out!

[Ryzenfall]

Good pop-punk. A sound for sore ears.

[TooLateF0rRoses]

very well written review, i may have to check this out.

[tonighttonight0]

I cannot wait for this

[RockVocalPower]

Coming from someone who hated the last album, this is one of the biggest surprises of the year. Drew nailed it. Turn off your Crush Management bands and listen to this when it comes out!

[CourtneyATLB]

It sounds like a really solid album.
Can't wait.

[xjdizzle]

Nice review. I do agree these new bands are just garbage , these trends are killing good music.i just think thres bands who should be banned from playing.if there not doing it for the music they shoulnt be there. and now new body gets signed thres no standards.but valencia is def a bright spot here.

[CurtyB]

"Pop-punk is dead.

Okay, so maybe that isn’t as great or grand as the statement Nas made in 2007 about hip-hop, but it still applies here. Once a genre full of camaraderie, energy, and statements has become stale, as bands are more concerned with their neon clothes, swooping hair cuts, and which 17 year old groupie they are going to nail tonight. Pop punk is dead. And like Nas tried to resurrect his genre, we need a band that can breathe new life into pop-punk.

This band is Valencia."

I'm glad you said that, that took some balls knowing that thousands of kids would read it yelling, "WHAT ABOUT ALL TIME LOW!?!" etc. This genre has been in copy-cat mode for far too long now and I always thought Valencia was the most underrated band of the bunch, so I hope you're right with this review.

[WFUJerseyJon]

I am super pumped for this. This review only heightened my already eager ears.

[PhantomFlux]

i really cant wait to hear this album

[scmaley]

I love the songs that I've heard so far! Great review. I'm pumped.

[caress me down]

time to preorder

[ishotthepilot]

sweet review, now i know for sure what greatness i have to look forward to :)

time to preorder

that sounds like a idea i might be following

[frisomic21]

I am so ready for this album. I love these guys.

[wahwah16]

I am so excited for this album, This Could Be A Possibility was pretty good, but people are saying that this is much better is really promising

[jeremypeele]

i would pay good money to listen to this now

[Tucker SL!]

awesome review!
stoked to hear this!

[xsarah]

great review, i really can't wait to get this album myself

[handlikesecret]

excellent review, Drew!

i'll be looking forward to getting my hands on this one.

[refgirl23]

The day this album comes out got put on my calendar...right next to all the Auburn home football games. And we love our football, so this says something.

[billyboatkid]

Can't wait to get my hands on this. I already love the first three tracks of the album.

[hamboy23]

This cd is great. I got a copy of it the other day and it really lives up to the hype.

[bensATLsummer08]

I got the first three tracks when that pre-order first came out and I must say I am in love with all three of them. I was worried Where Did You Go? would be too close to the Promise of Redemption version, but I was really happy to see that the only real similarities were the pre-chorus and that amazing bridge with the girl from ZATRARD.

I can't wait to get the whole album.

[fran.182]

i loved their debut cd...

[wrmerman]

I couldnt disagree more.

[Moral_Orel]

the 1st album was like starting a rookie QB. Showed some greatness but was bad in other parts. I think, and from what I've heard myself, this album will be much better and refined.

thats the best way to put it.

[singlexsorrow]

the difference between hit the lights and valencia is that the htl buzz isn't deserved. valencia's new album is 10x better than htl's

Hey I'm just curious as to why you think the htl buzz isn't deserved?

[singlexsorrow]

Cool review. I should definitely check out this album now.

[Sweetbutter516]

this will be good

[saving jonathan]

"Okay, so maybe that isn’t as great or grand as the statement Nas made in 2007 about hip-hop, but it still applies here. Once a genre full of camaraderie, energy, and statements has become stale, as bands are more concerned with their neon clothes, swooping hair cuts, and which 17 year old groupie they are going to nail tonight. Pop punk is dead. And like Nas tried to resurrect his genre, we need a band that can breathe new life into pop-punk."

A-fucking-men.
Awesome review Drewb. I am so pumped to hear this.

[sargentlgfuad]

i'm really excited.
but how are people rating it already?

[lovekillsgirl]

sooo stoked for this

[sowrongitsryan]

Hey I'm just curious as to why you think the htl buzz isn't deserved?
the songs aren't that good imo.
the only things i find interesting about the new album are the color splashes on the album cover.

[xashkox]

i am definitely looking forward to this album

[+/-]

good review. i loved htl's new record, the catchiness combined with their musicianship (especially on the guitars) really sets it apart from the rest of the new crap flooding out there today. I'm extremely stoked for this too. i think it will be a more musically diverse album than a lot of other pop punk stuff and shane has a freaking ace voice. their live set at warped was also top notch. colour me excited...

[panicbxmb]

this band is from my area, and i've been seeing them play small local shows (YMCA's and firehouses mostly) for a few years. are they really as popular across the country as this forum is making them seem?

they're such humble guys that i can't imagine them being so popular outside of my zipcode, haha.

nice review. i gotta check this album out :)

[djsclaus]

really, really can't wait for this album

[triangletrev]

nice! these dudes rock. bucks county pa represent!

[Debut_Fin]

this needs to be in my life right now.

[MCSmate]

Good review. Excited for the album.

[huckleberry]

good to hear this is going to be as amazing as i hoped

[SandManTEND13]

go review for a website. it becomes overwhelming after a while haha
so like once you sign up does the website send you them or does the record company? did you do it?

[mikeythepirate]

god i am excited

[SeanEBoy2686]

how does everyone get these advance copys of cds?! I must know!! ahhh

or work for college radio... this also becomes overwhelming


"Once a genre full of camaraderie, energy, and statements has become stale, as bands are more concerned with their neon clothes, swooping hair cuts, and which 17 year old groupie they are going to nail tonight."

that is my favorite part of the review... this so true when you compare the genre today to the genre 5 or 10 years ago

[sowrongitsryan]

so like once you sign up does the website send you them or does the record company? did you do it?
a guy at the website tells the record label to send it to me if i want to review it. or it gets sent to the website and then to me.
and i'm not sure what you mean when you ask "did you do it?"

[cscwell107]

The space between is the best fucking song ever

[JordanLML]

89% fuck yeah!!!

[Chalie22]

I like your review of the new Valencia album but stating that pop punk is dead is just ridiculous. I think people especially the kids on absolutepunk.net should look harder because their are some great pop punk bands out there right now. A few that come to mind are Teenage Bottlerocket, The Ergs, Broadway Calls, and Banner Pilot. I highly suggest you check them out.

[ztwizzlere11011]

wow you just made me super excited for this album! thanks for making my day and hopefully im not dissapointed now.. : (

[ESundy36]

Great review. I have such high expectations for this album and judging from this review it will meet and exceed my expectations.

[SAOsurviveSTD]

I expect this album to be huge... Valencia is going to be a break out band of the year.

[sunsetGUN]

Can somebody tell me what happen to Shane's girlfriend? I have searched high and low and cannot fucking find out.

[cscwell107]

Album of the Year

[TSLROCKS]

Great album. Really enjoying it. Definitely be at the top of my aoty list

[jennduh]

its fuckkking amazing.
such a good review! :)

[waterboy1628]

Can somebody tell me what happen to Shane's girlfriend? I have searched high and low and cannot fucking find out.

She passed away in a freak lawnmower accident. It flipped over and crushed her.

[BustaNutz]

Would it hurt you to do a little bit of research? The thing which makes this album so good is not that it "breathes life into pop-punk." It's the fact that it manages to make what is so typically a cookie-cutter, color-by-numbers genre and make the music deeply personal without alienating the people that like pop-punk. This album comes on the heels of the lead singer dealing with the sudden death of his girlfriend. The songs are actually deeply thoughtful and the album as a whole more or less chronicles the trials of the frontman as he tries to work through the entire situation. There's an entire dimension to this album which you either missed completely or didn't deem worthy of attention. This was not a great review as you clearly did no research before writing this. You put the advance in your stereo and shit out a review.

[sweetforever]

I love this album

[funtasticrich]

listen up is such a fucking tune

[tslxmilesapart]

Kenny Vasoli appears on the song Listen Up

[dat scene kid]

Just finished my first listen. Really digging it. I must admit it sounds a little bit monotonous at times, but not to an unbearable degree. I'm sure that'll fade after I give it a couple more listens. "Better Be Prepared" and "All At Once" stick out to me for sure. Great tracks.

[Wez1212Yes]

Let's face it pop-punk never existed did it.
So I checked it out and can honestly say not that good,leave it to Anberlin and JEW people and maybe Hearts Under Fire as 1 for the future.

[alltimecam]

im going to have to pick it up at my local target
im listening now and its awesome

[alltimecam]

id love to see them tour with the graduate

[Keith21]

Kenny Vasoli appears on the song Listen Up

that's what i thought. i'm surprised the review didn't mention that.
i'm currently making my way through for the first time and it sounds pretty good so far.

[emkvetwin]

listening through for the first time. "Where Did You Go?" has possibly the most perfect ending of any pop-punk song i've ever heard... this huge smile broke out on my face, and that doesn't happen much when i listen to music.

[edit: while "Where Did You Go?" is still the best song on the album, the rest of the album does indeed live up to it. awesome album... honest, catchy, mature, and really enjoyable.]

[SomedayTheFire]

my album of the year. What's with all the lack of sleep references in this album? Things relating to lack of sleep seems to appear frequently thoughout.

[delvec19]

Just bought this cd on iTunes....absolutely LOVE it!

[xEchoes]

This is probably one of my top albums of the year. It's incredible. "All At Once" is probably my favorite track so far.

[joeylksmacarena]

i finally got this album after like 12 stores. i think its an amazing follow up to TCBAP.

i do hear a lot of Promise of Redemption in it, and maybe that's just me, but i love it. great job to valencia :]

[copeland]

A lot of the songs remind me of Sherwood.....

Such an amazing cd.

[Dubui_209]

Best Cd I have biught since Paper Walls by Yellowcard.

Where did you go and Better Be Prepared are absolutely amazing

[caress me down]

listening to this right now! lovelovelove it

[punchlinekid182]

This album blew me away, so positive and the most refreshing sound ive heard all summer. Valencia is a band to know.

[SeanEBoy2686]

i'm only beef with the album is the sound quality of it. i don't think the actual audio of the album is that good. like the vocals could be a little louder over the instrumentals at parts.

[cereal4life]

Nice review Drew, this album is a goodie.

[tmilewski]

quite an amazing album

[Budwiser2008]

i'm only beef with the album is the sound quality of it. i don't think the actual audio of the album is that good. like the vocals could be a little louder over the instrumentals at parts.
TOO ME THIS WHY THE BAND ISNT As big AS IT SHOULD BE LIKE EAGLE MOUNT DRIVER GREAT SONG, SPACE BETWEEN, I CANT SEE MYSELF, WHERE DO YOU GO, HEAD IN HANDS

[Budwiser2008]

i'm only beef with the album is the sound quality of it. i don't think the actual audio of the album is that good. like the vocals could be a little louder over the instrumentals at parts.
TOO ME THIS WHY THE BAND ISNT As big AS IT SHOULD BE LIKE EAGLE MOUNT DRIVER GREAT SONG, SPACE BETWEEN, I CANT SEE MYSELF, WHERE DO YOU GO, HEAD IN HANDS

[zubinmoosa]

TOO ME THIS WHY THE BAND ISNT As big AS IT SHOULD BE LIKE EAGLE MOUNT DRIVER GREAT SONG, SPACE BETWEEN, I CANT SEE MYSELF, WHERE DO YOU GO, HEAD IN HANDS
turn off caps lock buddy

[Budwiser2008]

Haha It My Way Of Talk What About The Blind Fans Lol Or Drunk Fans Haha

[SeanEBoy2686]

TOO ME THIS WHY THE BAND ISNT As big AS IT SHOULD BE LIKE EAGLE MOUNT DRIVER GREAT SONG, SPACE BETWEEN, I CANT SEE MYSELF, WHERE DO YOU GO, HEAD IN HANDS
turn off caps lock buddy

I don't what we're yelling about!

[pesh1011]

Valencia is going to explode. They are going to be huge, give it time.

[socoxlove]

I agree with this, especially with what you said about "All At Once." Thats definitely my favorite

[geebee889]

I freaking love Valencia. These guys actually have talent, unlike some other bands out there. This album is great!

[tm24x]

Great album, great band. Valencia needs to get the recognition they deserve. All at Once is the best track, with Carry On following.

[shes.a.ghost]

This album never gets old. "Safe To Say" and "The Good Life" are my favorite songs for sure.

[NateFoundGlory]

I just now bought this cd. I am so disapointed in myself for waiting this long, it's fucking awesome.

[schroet]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/We-All-Need-Reason-Valencia/dp/B001C47ZPG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1254071504&sr=8-3

seems familiar...

[Kevin Lazaroff]

perhaps the greatest album I have ever heard (come to think of it, DEFINITELY the greatest album I have ever heard)

[Jaimehere]

Best Valencia album, great hooks all over.