We dive into the brain of Clash Valian, which means understanding the composer behind the whole project-Greg Merrell. This is far-reaching in terms of genre, capability and the kind of textures that are being observed. Probably while composing, Glen Merrell might have gone through 100s of genres, to streamline into this project. This one is a condensation of it all. This album is called Degrees of Freedom.
This album is a far ranging, 21 song epic. Each song picks a different wormhole to dive into melodically, and has quite a bit of back and forth in some places as well. Into the prog rock element of Cyrus we are thrown, where we try to decipher the meaning behind everything. It sounds like an early Genesis song in action, making a lot of time signature jumps and aural space leaps. Instrumental detail is something that Clash Valian is all about. It creates all these beautiful compositions with a lot of possibilities attached at every loose string.
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Exploring threads of psychedelia
Even shorter songs like Sirius understand the spatial audio and chord progressions that can be experienced. The vocals are aptly tailored song by song, not leaving spaces in the elemental aspect of composing things like this. This album has a lot of shifts in styles, they may not all fit into one larger framework. However, there is a psychedelic aura that links to how certain sounds are used. Moonlander is one of my favourites, like a Bowie lyrical escapade.
You are also treated to a retro feel with songs like Glamwow. It almost feels like a Pink Floyd song, especially Nick Mason’s drum chops being heard quite consistently in parts of the song. There are descents into more metal and hard rock as well, which is heard in Knitting with Cat Hair and Brokkr.
Treading the many layers of music
I feel it is really exciting to observe an artist stretch the horizons so well. Instead of hosting the one genre comfortable, this is a reach into all of them. This is where passion for composing and making your own way comes into place. There is spacey pop and rock in the same album, a few songs apart. Somehow, Clash Valian makes it all part of one whole umbrella, organically.
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I absolutely loved how much effort has been put into detailing the tones and feel of each song. They all fit exactly for the kind of composition it is, without compromising on the natural essence of the track. Clash Valian is an exciting journey to witness and listen to, with a lot of possibilities as to what it might develop into. Check out the music and follow the project for more that has to come. For a debut, this is the kind of promise in music that will inspire generations. Check out his Instagram as well!
Self professed metalhead, moderately well read. If the music has soul, it's whole to me. The fact that my bio could have ended on a rhyme and doesn't should tell you a lot about my personality.
