Valeo - The Valeo EP

​Valeo

The Valeo EP
self-released; 2016

3.4 out of 5

By Ted Rogen
​

Jack Nichols, Sam Nichols, Laurie Thomson, Gary Hickin and Jamie Connelly are Valeo. As the story goes they are “friends from the same town who came out of heavy metal bands to do something different.” When I read that what I was expecting was maybe drone metal or something else that may be derivative. What I wasn’t expecting was pretty straightforward pop punk.

​It’s impossible to argue that these four songs on The Valeo EP are not pop punk. I have to admit that going from heavy metal to pop punk seems like an odd transition in styles. The band delivers four songs which fit the criteria and tropes of the genre from beginning to end.

They have done their homework. Suffice it to say if you like pop punk this will be another EP you can add to your playlist. If you don't well this won’t make you have a change of heart. 

The band opens with “Not Enough” which revolves around distorted guitars, a steady beat and pulsing bass line. It’s a catchy song but also predictable. The song is commercially viable and one for the masses. As the EP progresses the band utilizes a similar formula but has a number of inventive tricks up their sleeves. The highlight was “Falling.” 

Valeo has some skill in a number of departments but the band plays pop-punk 101. I would have liked the band to experiment a bit more and try to establish a more unique sound rather than relying on a sound we have heard before.

Truth be told music in general is oversaturated and you have to bring something new to the table in this day and age. Valeo has the talent; now lets see if they can take it to the next level.

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