New Music: Catalyst by The Valveenus
Local punk rockers The Valveenus recently released Catalyst, their first full-length album in three years.
The album opens with a great quote from the King, Elvis Presley – “rock and roll music, if you like it, if you feel it, you can’t help but move to it. That’s what happens to me. I can’t help it.” They chose a perfect line to set the stage for the fast paced rocking punk album. Staying true to their live performance, you can feel the energy they have on stage throughout this album and anyone who has seen them live can just imagine the funny faces Matt Racha and Richard Barrie are making as they play. The Valveenus expanded from a three-piece to a quartet, adding Barrie, since their last record three years ago. They may have made us wait a long time for new music, but it paid off with Catalyst.
The nine track release is solid from top to bottom. “Behind the Lies” is an excellent track and great choice as a single, and is certainly up their in my favourites of the album. Other tracks that really stand out are “Misery” and “After All” due, in large part, to the unexpected harmonica and bagpipe play in each song respectively which is awesome. Also, it would be a crime not to mention their kick ass cover Simon and Garfunkel’s “The Sound of Silence.” Have a listen for yourself below and rock out to Catalyst.