Calming and Composed: Valley Taylor and ‘Lifetime of Unending Joy’

Valley Taylor combines alternative rock and indie music  and crafts mesmerising compositions and evocative soundscapes and delves into themes such as self-discovery and emotion. The aim for each musical composition is to capture a deeply personal world through distinctive voices that continue to push boundaries and leave a lasting impact on the alternative landscape.

The new album ‘Lifetime of Unending Joy’ draws inspiration from classic rock infused with touches of folk, immersing listeners into a serene experience. With clear influences from Bon Iver, Pavement, and folklore-inspired storytelling, Valley Taylor has crafted a soothing and reflective album that delves into themes of freedom, positive self-image, and acceptance. 

The album opens with the stunning track ‘If I Tried’, which reflects on the brevity of life and the urgency of cherishing time with loved ones. Valley Taylor’s vocals are filled with emotion, enhanced by a lo-fi effect, as they deliver lines like: “If I tried to call would you answer me? / If I’m around when it’s my time to go would you follow me to the ground?”. Musically, ‘If I Tried’ begins with a delicate, twinkling acoustic guitar, gradually building with more layered guitars and rhythmic drums that blend to create a captivating, hazy melody, balancing gentle and sharp elements. 

‘I Don’t Wanna Die’ continues with this melody style, but explores it further by adding a funky rhythm alongside more intense guitar arrangements. Though it is calm and composed—rain effects could be heard in the background—there is a wave of optimism, sombre and clear. 

‘Zombie’ employs an intriguing exploration of tempo, starting with a subdued rhythm of soft percussion and muted strings before suddenly erupting with louder guitar riffs and pounding drums. Valley Taylor’s vocals grow increasingly passionate and shift from intensity to a softer tone, creating a dynamic and engaging listening experience. 

'See Me The Way I Do’ cleverly incorporates guitar plucking and an echoing effect to imitate the ticking of a clock, symbolising the time wasted obsessing over others' perceptions. The song encourages moving beyond self-doubt, as captured in the lyrics, “Why don’t you see me the way I do?... I’m jumping anyway, it’s just the way I am”.

‘In My Head, I’m So Funny’ is brimming with a relaxed feel featuring a jangly melody that draws listeners in with its reflective tone and candid lyrics like “Burn my hand on the stove / Fingers burnt just to feel some control…I feel fine living on someone else’s time”.

‘Ran Out Of Stars’ is an energetic track with a brisk tempo, highlighted by shimmering instrumentals that evoke folk-inspired self-reflection. In contrast, ‘Lover In A House Of Cards’ presents a hazy, twilight-like atmosphere, with a lo-fi guitar that feels slightly out of tune, enriched by atmospheric ambience to create an eerie, haunting mood.

‘Heavenly Delusions’ provides a stunning finale to the album, beginning with a rush of electronic waves and soundscapes that gradually flow into a dreamy guitar arrangement. Taylor Valley masterfully plays with pacing, shifting from sharp, futuristic soundscapes to a more laid-back, folk-acoustic vibe. The seamless blend of these elements creates a satisfying and fitting conclusion to the album.

‘Lifetime of Unending Joy’ is a soothing, introspective album by Valley Taylor that masterfully blends folk and classic rock. Each track introduces a fresh experience, encouraging listeners to reflect, experience a range of emotions, and find solace.

Ana Joy King

@anajoyking

Image: ‘Lifetime of Unending Joy’ Official Album Cover