Be forewarned: this is not something to pop in and play under a tight schedule. Not only does the material suffer, but it’s a determent in getting the full effect USX looks to get across. From the very moment the sounds of lush nature surround the mix, a full commitment has to be made for the album to click. For many, this type of pledge is impossible, which is why The Valley Path will have a select niche following it.
Everybody in the band has stepped up their role and really benefit from the song’s concept. The duel drummers give the percussion a heavy presence, and the violin work of Meghan Mulhearn is appropriate. Her vocals also gel well with vocalist/guitarist Nate Hall. The vocals can be considered a non-factor, as over half of the song is a laborious jam breakdown. The band proves they are capable enough to make the time pass with few hitches.
The first few minutes of the song have a hypnotic quality, as the guitars play the same riffs in a trance. The song doesn’t hit its peak until near the end, as several false finishes are placed in the middle to fool the listener. There are hidden highlights tucked into the song, from the organ flourishes during the jam to the sampling of a train in the distance during one of the many forest sound montages. These won’t be heard unless strict attention is given to the whole record.
The Valley Path has much attention and scrutinizing details placed on it. This track just screams “live performance.” A song like this should be a blast to witness surrounded by an adoring audience. However, it loses a bit of its charm in a sterile studio. The band provides The Valley Path the chance to go off on its own and not be restrained by time limits. This can be viewed as an organic creation; a piece of music that lets off both realistic emotions and a dreamy ambiance.
(released May 31, 2011 on Neurot Recordings)
