VALLENS – “KAREN”
CONSENT (2016)
Hand Drawn Dracula
May 22, 2016
Vallens new single “Karen” is named after Karen Carpenter. Vallens wrote the song after witnessing friends and family with addictions, and how people with addictions are misunderstood. Vallens also explore how Karen Carpenter’s addiction was related to female specific issues that can trigger addiction. Musically it feels like a downward spiral.
Robyn Phillips spent her early years in Toronto playing lead guitar in several bands. With an experience of performing and writing in various genres, Robyn began working on material for her first solo project as Vallens in the summer of 2014. Taking cues from everything from Rowland S Howard to Portishead, the project began to take shape with a concept of Vallens as an alter-ego of Phillips. Soon after, Vallens began recording a full length record with friend Jeff Berner of Psychic TV at his now defunct studio Galuminum Foil in Brooklyn, followed by several months recording songs at Candle Recording with Josh Korody (Beliefs, Wish).
The project debuted live in December of 2014 and quickly captured the attention of music critics, promoters, and the local music scene. Vallens has since been Invited to perform at NXNE, POP Montreal, M for Montreal, and CMJ, in addition to sharing the stage with Frankie Cosmos, Freak Heat Waves, Porches, MOURN, U.S Girls, A Place to Bury Strangers, and La Luz. Vallens first LP is out June 24 via Hand Drawn Dracula. Check out the video for “Karen” below.
Band Links
SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: PRAISES – IN THIS YEAR: HIEROPHANT
SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: TESS PARKS – AND THOSE WHO WERE SEEN DANCING
SPILL NEW MUSIC: TALLIES ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM ‘PATINA’ AND SHARE NEW SINGLE “HEARTS UNDERGROUND” | TOUR DATES
SPILL NEW MUSIC: BREEZE SHARES “COME AROUND (FEAT. CADENCE WEAPON)” | NEW ALBUM ONLY UP OUT AUGUST 26 VIA HAND DRAWN DRACULA
