Dublin alternative rock trio Valhalla have released their debut EP ‘Big Men, They Fall’. The band comprised of Mark Boyle (Vocals & Guitar), Barry Monahan (Bass) and Luke Alford (Drums) have been hard at work with multiple live headline shows across the Dublin scene in such venues as The Workmans Club, Sin E, The Sound House, The Underground and Fibber Magees. 2018 saw the band play a sold-out show in Whelan’s for the single launch of “Hear Me Calling” which has been well received with airplay on Radio Nova & RTE 2XFM.
‘Big Men,They Fall’ foreshadows a promising future for Valhalla. This intoxicating EP is full of wonderful engaging guitar lines, infectious grooves, stomping rhythms and sublime melodies. It’s not just the jagged rawness and subtle hue of rock slapped aggression in ‘Don’t Leave Her Down’ that engages and lures your ears into their music. It’s also the sweet melodies and meaty riffs and how they bring a sleek, emotional quality into their powerful tracks. This perfect blend of edgy rock, moody indie and soft delicate moments is what makes this EP a mature and refined experience.With ethereal, almost celestial tones on guitar glimmering through the dark smoky ‘Don’t Leave Her Down’ Valhalla showcase the bands proficient ability to meticulously craft and build their tracks beautifully. The powerful vocals from Mark Boyle surge each track with emotion and warm tones. ‘Hear Me Calling’ brings a funky flex to the EP as the rooted bass weaves a hip moving groove through the sultry guitar while the punchy drums keep the foundation lean and mean. With a clap along feature, enticing melody and perfect blend of gritty/silken textures- this trio find the sweet spot between dark rawness and strut worthy sleekness, solidifying their hold on your ears. ‘The Revenant’ slows the tone as Boyle pines over an emotional melody and gripping instrumentation. This is one for the teary power punch in the air as we see a tender side to the bands musicianship all while packing in beautiful guitar work and engaging rhythms leading us perfectly to the final track ‘Cryptic’. A tender, icy number that exposes raw emotion through a bittersweet melody and compelling instrumentation.
‘Big Men,They Fall’ is a four track EP that boasts the intricately cultivated and tight musicianship of Valhalla. The band have a full, rich sound and maturity that stands composed, passionate and impressive. They are ones to keep an eye on.
Stream ‘Big Men,They Fall’ below
