Valice drops new EP

Hailing from Austin, Texas, four-piece outfit Valice are far from your conventional indie rock band. First making their entrance during the pandemic, they made their mark with their debut album, Sugarjulie, unveiling a unique musical DNA formed by a colourful array of sounds and influences, resulting in a style that’s at once nostalgic, energetic and whimsical.

Now, Valice invites us on a musical journey with their latest EP, do you want to be alone?. This six-track offering is a multi-faceted exploration of uncertainty, deftly incorporating various genres into a cohesive indie pop voyage that’s bound to keep you guessing at every twist and turn.

The EP opens with “nomadic,” an indie outing that sets the scene with laid back grooves, soft rock aesthetics and instantly catchy writing. Valice’s distinctive sound comes to life as a lightly gritty guitar riff takes the lead, supported by pulsating basslines and a snappy beat while smooth and rhythmic vocals guide the listener throughout.

“wonder if…” continues the sonic adventure with an upbeat, almost whimsical sound. Drums, bass, guitar and synths collide to create a subtly psychedelic pop landscape. Fluttering synth lines and funky guitar rhythms dance around airy vocals, weaving a captivating sonic fabric. It’s a track that embodies the vibrant spirit of pop-focused indie rock, channeling the vibe of artists like OK Go. “tell me i’m the best you’ve had” introduces a vibrant synth-driven sound, marked by delayed shots that add a playful element. The track boasts a cool atmosphere, with a mellow beat and elegant vocal harmonies.

But Valice isn’t afraid to venture into uncharted waters. “all my lies” features a collaboration with rapper Fak3 5miles and Brynn Bowman, delivering a genre-bending alternative pop cut. The song is a dynamic blend of contrasting elements, from the rumbling bass and pounding beat to the bright piano plinks. Valice and Fak3 5miles trade vocal lines, with Valice providing smooth melodies and Fak3 5miles contributing slick rapped flows.

“don’t know where, don’t know why” opens with a spacey synth energy that leads into a smooth groove. Vocal samples add depth and soulful choral-style vocal layers create an enveloping atmosphere. The lead vocal takes the spotlight, guiding the listener through a quirky, kaleidoscopic soundscape. The EP’s closing track, “do you want to be alone?” kicks off with a squeaky synth line and twanging guitars. Swirling vocal samples give way to a driving drum beat and piano lines. Valice’s infectious vocal layers create a memorable sound on this quirky indie pop adventure, serving as the perfect conclusion to a superb EP.

Valice’s “do you want to be alone?” is a stunning showcase of the band’s artistic prowess and genre-blurring creativity. Each track on the EP is a musical revelation, offering a fresh perspective on indie pop that keeps the listener engaged from start to finish.

Listen to do you want to be alone? below