Author: Phil Tani

Posted: Oct 16, 2024

Valley brought their high-energy, feel-good indie-pop to The Observatory last week, captivating the audience with their signature blend of catchy melodies and introspective lyrics. The Canadian group, consisting of Rob Laska, Alex Dimauro, and Karah James, delivered a dynamic and heartfelt performance, taking the crowd on an emotional journey through their discography. From reflective ballads to high-energy anthems, Valley’s set had the perfect balance of introspection and fun.

Valley opened the night with “Water the Flowers, Pray for a Garden,” immediately setting a warm and inviting tone. The band’s stage presence was effortlessly laid-back, creating a comfortable atmosphere as they moved into the infectious “Bass Player’s Brother". The band’s connection with the crowd was palpable, with frontman Rob Laska expressing his gratitude to the fans for being part of their journey.

The setlist was a thoughtful blend of Valley’s best tracks, taking the audience through moments of nostalgia, heartbreak, and hope. “Lost in Translation” and “Have a Good Summer (Without Me)” showcased the band’s knack for pairing catchy hooks with lyrics that explore deep emotions. The crowd swayed and sang along, their voices harmonizing with Rob’s during the more vulnerable moments, like “Growing (Apart)” and “A Phone Call in Amsterdam.”

“sucks to see you doing better” was a clear fan favorite, with the energy in the room skyrocketing as Karah James, the band’s multi-talented drummer and vocalist, took center stage. Her powerful vocals, particularly during “Break for You,” were a highlight of the night.

The mid-set moments provided some of the most poignant performances, including “Cocoon” and “Mosquito,” where the band’s lyrical depth and atmospheric soundscapes created an intimate connection with the audience. “Let It Rain” followed, offering a cathartic release before Valley ramped up the energy with the upbeat, summery vibes of “Swim” and “Closer to the Picture.”

As the set progressed, the band's chemistry with each other and the crowd only grew stronger. “Namedropper” and “Like 1999” had the audience dancing and shouting the lyrics in a collective burst of joy. The playful energy continued with “hiccup” and “Crawlspace,” two songs that exemplify Valley’s ability to mix lightheartedness with emotional storytelling.

The crowd remained fully engaged as the band launched into “Life Goes on Without Me,” a powerful moment that resonated deeply with the audience. Valley closed their main set with “When You Know Someone,” a perfect blend of nostalgia and bittersweetness that had the room swaying along.

Valley returned for a rapturous encore, starting with “There’s Still a Light in the House,” which had the entire venue singing along in unison. It was one of the night’s most uplifting moments, with the chorus echoing through the room and creating a sense of unity.

Valley’s performance at The Observatory was a masterclass in delivering an emotionally charged yet fun-filled show. The combination of infectious pop hooks, introspective lyrics, and genuine connection with the audience made for an unforgettable night. From standout moments like Karah James' lead vocals to the crowd favorites “sucks to see you doing better” and “Like 1999,” the show was a rollercoaster of emotions that left everyone in the room feeling uplifted and connected. Valley’s ability to blend heartfelt lyricism with bright, infectious energy solidifies their place as one of indie-pop’s most exciting acts to watch.