Search - The Valley Arena :: Take Comfort in Strangers

This will be HUGE

David McHenry | San Diego, Ca United States | 04/27/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This band is great, and even better live. They've really learned their lessons from Jawbox, Fugazi, and Drive Like Jehu. They have pop hooks but an abrasive exterior. Well written, extremely thought out and thought provoking material. check them out"

Watch Out For These Guys

Chris Conlan (BreakingCustom.com) | Iowa | 07/31/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Review by Ray Harkins:



In the much cloistered world of indie rock in Southern California, trying to find a band that A) doesn't sound like The Killers and/or a bad version of The Get Up Kids, B) actually takes their music seriously, and C) is good, which is a very difficult task to surmount.



The Valley Arena hail from Long Beach, CA, but sound like they should be living in DC and hang out at the Dischord house. Elements of Drive Like Jehu, Fugazi and Q and Not U are smattered throughout this 10 song full length. It has that pop sensibility which makes it plausible to listen to at any time of the day while also retaining that slight edge that makes you feel like you aren't listening to the new Kelly Clarkson (which is not a problem by the way).



How Geoff Rickley and Astro Magnetics take this band on and market them to the masses may be a work in progress, but watch them as their story develops, it may be bigger than you think."