Shalabl Effect's Anthony Seck points it out in the Valley of Giants press kit. \Sophie Trudeau (of Godspeed You! Black Emperor) and I talked about recording for years. Brendan Canning (of Broken Social Scene) and I talked about recording for years."" They weren't the only ones talking; the fans of the musicians on Valley of the Giants self-titled Arts and Crafts release had also talked about them recording together for years. But no one expected anything like this. Valley of the Giants boarders on the ambient and orchestral side of contemporary music.
Trudeau's musical style shows through on this collaboration, where many of the songs are reminiscent of the soundscapes that Godspeed! is known for. Their ambient rock can be tiresome. Every song seems to repeat the last, not note for note, but in structural repetitions that resemble a standard classical arrangement. Songs build and build and build until they end, sometimes resembling bands such as Sigur Rs.
Valley of the Giants do a good job of avoiding this rut. In tracks like ""Beyond the Valley,"" the theme is repeated in one orchestrated loop, then quickly rushes off into oblivion when the listener begins giving up on the song. But at that moment the song becomes engaging.
Valley of the Giants is not so much playing as exploring, with each song beginning and ending in a sonic mist. The eerie and sometimes desolate sound of this album comes from the haunting violin accompaniment and mysterious guitar. creates a western revival feel and a spacey and ambient sound.
It is clear the group wants you to hear every song for the feeling and experience, but this style seems time and again to leave out the technical skills of the musicians. The bass lacks everything but the power to follow the guitar, the guitar and synth both prattle along with the same pattern of notes. But never do the orchestrations get boring or overplayed.
The overall experience of Valley is incredible, and nowhere does it shine more than in ""Whaling Tale,"" which without musical accompaniment would just be an old French whaler telling a boring story. His account of a hunt is spliced with luminous harmonies, the band's excellent ear for subtleties and masterful writing that leaves a listener riveted to every word.
Valley of the Giants is an excellent example of what great musicians can do when locked together in a studio. This band has mastered the art of layering and every track is like sitting in on an orchestra rehearsal: tuning to start off, followed by a warm up, then the piece starts in earnest. Soon a symphony envelopes the room. This album can at times be difficult to listen to, but those who make it to the end will be treated to musical emotions never before heard on record.
