Valet - Naked Acid

Valet
Naked Acid
(03.2008, Kranky)
Verdict = Druggy, Gritty, Catty Psych

Back with a quick follow up to last years wonderful Blood Is Clean, Portland Oregon’s Honey Owens follow the same line of reason that produced her debut: stark, moody experimentalism waffling between druggy, drifty psych and gritty, drony no wave. Having been involved in several different experimental projects before starting her solo recording project as Valet, Owens has developed depth in a field of artists who often retread the same idea endlessly like they were chained to a treadmill. Naked Acid on the other hand (along with Blood Is Clean) is a dynamic, impressively multifaceted record that is always moving forward into new, murky waters creating a wonderfully cohesive ride. Consistency aside, Naked Acid never seems to reach quite as high as its predecessor. There is something indefinable that leaves portions of the album flat and ineffective as a whole. Perhaps a tint or three darker than her debut, Naked Acid’s morose, alienating grit seems to kind of grind a bit too deep. For some that may be preferable, but I found it a bit tiring. Regardless, Valet has given us a fair sophomore effort that demands that we keep an eye on Miss Owens.

-Mr. Thistle

Valet - "Kehaar"

Valet - Blood Is Clean

Valet
Blood Is Clean
(04.2007, Kranky)
8.5/10

Valet is the ethereal alias of Portland's Honey Owens. On her solo debut, Owens has created a menacing spectral treat that drifts magnetically through air. The opener, "April 6," quickly aligns Valet with Portland compatriot Liz Harris (aka Grouper) with its whispery, layered vocals before giving way to lightly layered tribal sounding percussion. While the general feel of Blood Is Clean maintains similarities in tone to Grouper's wonderful releases, Owens definitely creates her own ghostly persona with a welcomed variation of instruments and vocal approaches. The second, and title track, "Blood Is Clean," is upheld by a grainy guitar and propelled by a haunted lyrical sermon which then transitions into a distorted six-string exorcism. The remainder of the album wades through minimalist tapestries covered with noise shrapnel, hollow vocal eulogies and subtle, looped drums. The result is a series of deliciously cold soundscapes that are more dynamic and engaging than your average experimental drony-ness. A perfect mention for the October season, Blood Is Clean is a veritable ghost of a record and a searing addition to Kranky’s already towering year of releases.

-Mr. Thistle

Valet- "April 6"