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Valaska - Valaska EP Album Cover
Author's Rating
Vocals 8.5
Musicianship 8.75
Lyrics 8.25
Production 9.5
Creativity 8.5
Lasting Value 8.5
Reviewer Tilt 9.5
Final Verdict: 88%
Member Ratings   
Vocals 8.75
Musicianship 9.25
Lyrics 8.25
Production 9.5
Creativity 8.75
Lasting Value 9
Reviewer Tilt 9.75
Average: 90%
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This review was written by an AP.net staff member.

Valaska - Valaska EP

Reviewed by: Keagan Ilvonen (06/14/10)
Valaska - Valaska EP
Release Date: June 8th, 2010
Label: Unsigned

Who?

Valaska is the one man project of Dave Valdez from Chicago, Illinois. He started the project in 2009 and in no time started writing and recorded his debut Self Titled EP which was produced by Aaron Marsh. Just by association Valaska deserves your attention, but musically it deserves a lot more.

How is it?

There are few acts in the scene that are able to create moving tunes that are able to turn heads and ears with a voice, piano and gorgeous string arrangements. But Valaska is already threatening to be one. “Seasons” starts the album with a slow acoustic/piano ballad which sounds like it could have been a softer track from You Are My Sunshine. Valdez showcases his soothing vocals on “Life Without You” creating enchanting layered harmonies over appropriately placed orchestrated strings that pull at your every emotion. “Maverick” is the true gem throughout the whole EP. As Valdez sings “As you walk all by yourself / do you long for somebody else / someone to lend a heart on their own / to ensure you’re not alone” you know something special is upon you, while he draws a close comparison to heartfelt Copeland of the past. A simple but full piano line, full orchestration and guest vocals from another up and comer, Holly Ann complete this masterpiece in true form. Valaska closes with “Sight and Sound” following in the same steps as the other tracks but bringing everything to a peaceful end.

At the end of the day two things come to mind when this album is finished. Aaron Marsh’s production is top notch and is something to look forward to in the future. And that Valaska is a name to watch out for because there are few artists making music of this caliber today. Whether it sounds like it or isn’t your cup of tea, it’s too tempting to pass up on. Dave Valdez is the real deal and people should take notice. With the absence of Copeland in everyone’s lives, Valaska seems to be the perfect fix for your late night cravings.

Recommended If You LikeJeremy Larson, Copeland, Sleeping At Last, Deas Vail, Soothing piano and strings


Additional LinksMyspace - Valaska - Bandcamp - Amazon MP3 - iTunes
 
Displaying posts 1 - 14 of 14.
12:43 AM on 06/14/10
#2
aradiantsunrise
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Aaron Marsh produced this? Another reason why I love this.
01:05 AM on 06/14/10
#3
introduction
You're not real musician!
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I don't think he's quite there yet, but I could certainly see this acting as a replacement for Copeland for now.
05:55 AM on 06/14/10
#4
AdmissionRegret
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There is definitely a lot of potential here, but I think his voice is very weak & I'm not a huge fan of the production either.
08:00 AM on 06/14/10
#5
beazer32
...and now I feel like I am home.
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I'm really liking this. I always love Marsh's string arrangements (I'm assuming he did them on this too).
09:25 AM on 06/15/10
#6
inthemidst
Grace and Peace
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Downloaded this EP off Amazon this morning. It's so good! Another production gem for Aaron Marsh.
11:15 AM on 06/15/10
#7
HeavenResign
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I enjoyed this, quite a high score though. Thanks for posting it.
10:14 PM on 06/15/10
#8
White
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Larson, Deas Vail, and Copeland >>> Valaska.

Especially Larson. Be careful who put in the same category with Him.
12:39 PM on 06/16/10
#9
Keagan Ilvonen
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Originally Posted by White
Larson, Deas Vail, and Copeland >>> Valaska.

Especially Larson. Be careful who put in the same category with Him.
? Obviously. It's called a RIYL to draw peoples attention, not put them in the same category.
02:48 PM on 06/16/10
White
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Originally Posted by Keagan Ilvonen
? Obviously. It's called a RIYL to draw peoples attention, not put them in the same category.
WHAT PART OF "BE CAREFUL" DIDN'T YOU UNDERSTAND?

x

(I"m only screwing around, plz dun b& me)
09:33 PM on 06/16/10
luvsickcatalyst
wander eyes, ocean high.
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Originally Posted by introduction
I don't think he's quite there yet, but I could certainly see this acting as a replacement for Copeland for now.
Agreed. Songs get kind of dull after a while, so he needs to work on making his slower songs stand out.
08:37 AM on 06/17/10
inthemidst
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Originally Posted by luvsickcatalyst
Agreed. Songs get kind of dull after a while, so he needs to work on making his slower songs stand out.
True, but if you think about it, he just started this songwriting project last year, and he's already on his way to becoming quite a special artist. As far as slower jams, "Maverick" is the best song on this EP, and it's the slowest jam also. The piano intro really stands out.
10:49 AM on 06/17/10
f00te
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i need to check this out
05:48 PM on 06/22/10
Keagan Ilvonen
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Originally Posted by luvsickcatalyst
Agreed. Songs get kind of dull after a while, so he needs to work on making his slower songs stand out.
If he keeps working with Aaron he won't have to worry about anything.
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