Brand new EP from Olivia Valentine

Founded by seasoned musicians Phil Korosec and Geoff Hrabar, over the last eight years, Olivia Valentine has established itself as a truly unique project in the indie rock and pop landscape. Originally conceived as a recording endeavour back in 2017, the duo soon saw their sound expand beyond the studio, following the release of their debut EP, Can’t Be Trusted, evolving into a full-fledged band with the addition of Thomas Dietzel on guitar, backing vocals, keys, trombone and percussion, Larissa Dietzel on bass and drummer Daniel Bishop.

Their music is known for its intricate guitar layers, lush string arrangements, crafting a Baroque pop-tinged sound that takes cues from bands like Radiohead, The Flaming Lips and Sonic Youth. Their shared sonic vision was fully realised in their debut album, Reverberations, released in May 2023, which saw the band collaborating with drummer Greg Wiz, known for his work with Norah Jones, The Autumn Defense and Valerie June. Following up with two singles last year, the band now returns with their latest release, The Couch Cushion EP, a collection of five original tracks that offer the perfect snapshot of the latest chapter in their enduring musical story.

Recorded in Arabi, Louisiana, at the band’s own studio called June’s Beehive, with mastering by Nashville-based producer Piper Payne, whose credits include Madame Gandhi, Ray Cooper and more, The Couch Cushion EP showcases Olivia Valentine’s ability to bring together diverse styles while maintaining a cohesive, immersive sound. Each track is co-written by Phil Korosec and Geoff Hrabar, who bring their distinct approaches to songwriting; Phil’s background in film lends a cinematic quality, while Geoff’s experimental “throw everything at the wall and see what sticks” production style results in unexpected sonic textures.

With echoes of the band’s influences such as REM, Smashing Pumpkins, Supergrass, Guided By Voices and David Bowie, the EP delivers a thoroughly unique listening experience. Opened by “And Now Just Be,” a song written by Phil during the lockdowns, the track jumps straight into a lively arrangement of shuffling percussive taps and layers of mesmeric clean guitar tones as rich lead vocals glide above to spin storytelling lyricism. Rising with bursts of shimmering psych-inflected aesthetic, airy synths and rattling drum rolls combine with the catchy vocal lines to cast a hazy soundscape that’s at once hypnotic and energising.

“Ride” follows with an upbeat sound of snapping drums, pulsing guitar rhythms and expressive vocal performance, floating with buzzy synth textures, resulting in a pop-focused jam brimming with catchy writing and melodic charm. With “My Records Back,” the band presents a smokey fusion of grooving bass notes, reverb-drenched instrumental tones and spacey vocals, creating a stunning slice of woozy psych pop that’s at once retro and forward-thinking.

The punchy beat of “Love Is Not” is met with atmospheric textures and revered guitar tones before erupting with an arresting full band sound. Driven by a laid back rhythm of plodding basslines and impactful drums, smooth vocals ring out above the lightly crunchy guitars as the track flows through an arrangement full of twists and turns.

Closing the EP with “Tangerine Sofa,” a piece penned about Phil’s father’s battle with alcoholism, frames the emotive context in a grooving outing of rustling drums, the breezy twang of guitar leads and twinkling keys. Led by a moving vocal performance, the band delivers a subtly infectious track that offsets its sombre theme in a bright an engaging sound to perfectly conclude their sensational new EP. With a physical format vinyl release set for later this year, Olivia Valentine continues to stake their clam as one of the most exciting and original acts in the underground indie music scene and we can’t wait to see what they’ve got in store next.

Listen to The Couch Cushion EP below