BARSUK BANDS

 
   
 

sunset valley / icepond (bark20)"With their third full-length, Sunset Valley is getting back to the style and musicmaking approach that they do best. And what they do best isn't simply sounding like the Pixies, in case you were wondering. With Icepond, Sunset Valley has returned to a three-piece unit that leans more toward live recording than creating songs on tape as they did with Boyscout Superhero. Yet, there's more maturity there than the last time they made music as a trio for their spectacularly raw 1998 debut, The New Speed. Whereas Jolley and Co. would build and build to a deafening crescendo as they do on that album's "Met My Mako," on this album's title track they throw some hints in the direction of explosion but make things even more interesting by smoldering rather than flaming up. That's not to say they can't get rowdy when they want to, because "Wired Nights" combines dropped riffs with punchy vocals the way they used to up there in the Pacific Northwest. It's a similar if more catchy ride we're taken on in "Touch You," which comes complete with -- sorry, but I gotta say it -- Pixies-esque riffs and orgasmic harmonizing."  (PopMatters)


sunset valley / icepond (bark20)"Those who take their psychedelia a tad on the rustic side -- laced with undulating guitars, trilling organs and soaring, sunset-hued vocals -- will find Icepond a sure ticket to dreamland. The band shimmers with the radiance of a distant mirage in the wild desert air -- languid with a bit of twang like the great Giant Sand while pulsing with the mildly demented playfulness of Elf Power."  (Rockpile)


sunset valley / icepond (bark20)"Moving on a crooked path between albums and members, Sunset Valley has, for the moment, found a perfect point. Singer and sometimes solo artist Herman Jolly, with Jonathan Drews, and Eric Furlong (also of 44 Long), have created a solid and moving album that pulls your heart and rocks your brains. Picking at tones that fly like bands from The Grifters to T. Rex to the Clash, and beyond, the songs are simple and catchy, hard-edged and happy, silly and sad and full of life. Speeding like science fiction from surreal obscure ecstasy to songs straight-up-with-a-twist and almost radio friendly, Sunset Valley hooks you like a fish, and reels you in through the coldness of the icepond world, warming you up with distorted passion, and giving you music like light."  (Big Takeover)

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