A little perspective can make a world of difference. I know from experience that taking a step back from writer’s block, putting a little distance between you and the problem, is often the best way to reignite a creative spark. For me ‘The Valley’ represents the same idea on a larger scale. When a style or scene becomes stagnant, rehashing old ideas like an ouroboros eating its own tail, sometimes it takes an outsider’s perspective to inject fresh ideas. I feel like I’ve been hearing uninspired photocopies of 90s Britpop for half my life, and yet it took until hearing Tennessee band The Kindest People’s take on the sound to truly rekindle my interest. The hallmarks are there, plenty of hints of Supergrass especially, intentional or otherwise, but the band also brings so much of their own energy and enthusiasm to the table. The effervescent arrangement has such depth to it, the rhythm section always having something worthwhile of their own to say even when the breezy riffs are in the spotlight. The earnestness of the vocals, and the fabulous way they’re layered, delivers such a larger-than life feeling. Given some of the best Americana comes from far outside the US, I suppose having one of their own make some of the best Britpop I’ve heard in years is only fair!