Photos and review by Zachary Coleman
Bands that have the most interesting starts seem to leave the most impact with their songs. Valley is no exception. The band formed when two groups were supposed to record at the same studio during the same time slot 11 years ago. Instead of going their separate ways, the two groups decided to combine and release their first EP titled Car Test in April 2015. Since the release of their first EP, Valley has released multiple singles and six more full projects including their latest album, Water the Flowers, Pray for a Garden, which was released on August 30, 2024. The full-length album came as a welcome surprise since it was released just over a year after the band’s sophomore studio album, Lost in Translation. Water the Flowers, Pray for a Garden is the first release from Valley since the departure of multi-instrumentalist Michael “Mickey” Brandolino. Brandolino departed the band due to wanting to become a full-time producer. With his absence came in COIN’s singer/songwriter, Chase Lawrence, who helped write the album. When listening to the album the first time, you hear Valley channel where they came from as well as where they hope to be going. The band is celebrating the release with a North American and EU/UK tour. The North American leg of the tour ends in the band’s hometown of Toronto where they will play their biggest headline hometown show yet at History on December 13, 2024.
Before Valley celebrates their latest release, the hometown show is opened by the Canadian alt-pop duo, Bestfriend. Bestfriend is led by Stacy Kim (lead vocals/guitar) and Kaelan Geoffrey (synthesizers/vocals) who made their debut in May 2019. The story of this band is also interesting since the duo each live on different ends of the country. What is even crazier about Bestfriend opening the show is that Geoffrey and Valley’s lead vocalist, Rob Laska, were in a band together when they were both in high school and this show is a full circle moment for both of them. Laska commented stating they were doing the thing they always said they wanted to do. The duo opened the show with a chill and synthetic pop-like style. The duo recruited two additional members for their performance on stage. The duo isn’t able to do many shows at the moment because of the distance they are from each other. This rare occurrence was indeed a very nice treat for the audience.
Valley came out on stage with the title track of their latest release while going through almost the entire album throughout the show, with the exception of “I Didn’t Even Ask For This.” However, the song played over the speakers of the venue once the show ended. This show felt special from the start. Valley came out running on stage with a passion and their hometown crowd screamed every single lyric back to them. The band played songs from every release since their record, This Room Is White. Valley had a few surprises up their sleeve. Their drummer, Karah, and their touring guitarist switched roles for a two-song stretch including “Mosquito” and “Let It Rain.” They also played their song “Boys And Girls of 2018 And Everything In Between” for the first time in two years. The last major surprise the band had in store was a cover of Wham!’s Christmas classic, “Last Christmas.”
Valley ended their show with their song “Bop Ba.” Laska decided to take his mic and guitar to the center of the crowd and play the song with all their close friends, family, and fans. Laska stated we won’t be seeing or hearing from Valley for a little while after this show and that they want to live life for a little bit. Once they have done that, they will come back with another album. It was news the audience was not expecting to hear, but the audience accepted the news and gave their hearts to the final song of the night.
There was quite a bit of buildup leading to this show. Valley released a brand-new album, co-headlined with The Beaches at Budweiser Stage, went on a full headline North American tour, and then opened for three dates on Arkells Big Feelings Canadian tour all to end their packed year with their biggest headline hometown gig yet. The band started teasing a different setlist than the rest of the tour on Instagram about ten days before the show asking the fans what they wanted to hear. The day before the show, Valley went to a local park, hid, and gave away pairs of tickets throughout the area. The day of the show, the band confirmed they would be playing their song “Closer to the Picture” since they heard it on the radio. However, all of this combined still could not have prepared anyone for the night Valley had in store for everyone. At the venue, they were selling signed vinyl and posters as well as mystery bags with old/rare merchandise. The band also brought along Detour Coffee to give out free samples of their collaboration coffee blend.
Valley is a very special band who seem to care about every single one of their fans. They also give so much love to their hometown of Toronto by partnering with small businesses and promoting their city in a positive light. Valley is a band I’ve listened to consistently for the last four years and to finally see them in a hometown setting was a goal of mine since I moved to Toronto. They’ve been releasing music consistently for the last five years and that music has meant a lot to me. It was truly an honor and privilege to witness and cover this show. I will be there next time Valley decides to release music or put on a show, but until then I hope they enjoy their much-deserved rest. Valley will be on their European headline tour in January 25 to February 4, 2025.
