Valley Queen is a four-piece indie rock band from Los Angeles, California, fronted by lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Natalie Carol. Valley Queen’s second album, Chord of Sympathy, showcases a range of dynamically layered sounds. With the departure of a member and the global pandemic, there was a lot of change for the band. Carol, Mike Deluccia, and Neil Wogensen took on different roles and worked together in a new and truly collaborative way that refreshed the Valley Queen sound. With each member experimenting with new approaches to writing and production, the album represents a transformation for them. It’s filled with energetic and optimistic songs that have a celestial quality, creating a warm and comforting atmosphere. “I didn’t coin the phrase ‘chord of sympathy.’ It comes from Hazrat Inayat Khan, an ancient sufi mystic,” Carol shares. “Writing this album, I wanted to embody such a notion: the chord of sympathy, a sound connecting us all.”

The album opens up with Falling: Natalie Carol’s unique voice and singing style shine. The lyrics describe the feeling of falling and the idea that love, quietness, and death. The repetition of “feels like falling” creates a sense of inevitability.

Nobody Ever – The majority of this song is the repeated phrase “nobody’s ever gonna love you more than I do” which highlights the intensity of their love. The chorus “as you were drawing cartoon faces down my leg baby all my senses were reeling” is an endearing example of gentle intimacy.

Pavement – This track is my personal favorite and a stand-out track on the album. The simplicity of the guitar and hooky bass line make this an indie rock song. “I’m sorry but you’re all I’ve got I’m the prisoner in the parking lot” has such a catchy melody.

Cassavetes – This song is inspired by actor, director, and screenwriter John Cassavetes. “There’s a thread throughout Cassavetes’ films centered around selfhood: its nebulous nature, our ability to project it onto other people, how we try on different selves to be accepted or loved” says Carol.

Chord of Sympathy – This title track acts as a thesis statement for the album, it showcases their unique sound and feel. The lyrics capture a sense of connection and sympathy between people and the world around us. The imagery of the moon, sun, and tide are used as examples of natural cycles and rhythms.

Knife in the Truck – The lyrics describe feeling inadequate and the inability to trust due to fear. There are past mistakes and past tendencies to hide their love, but decide to stop wasting time and show their love openly.

Fairy Wing – This a mid-tempo song with a groovy low-down feel. The lyrics convey a sense of self-discovery and growth. The song sounds regretful, but blissful and full of grace.

Curse of the Unknown – The obscure lyrics in this song describe the feeling of being stuck in monotony and longing for spiritual awakening. “I ain’t reading all these books for not, I’m craving spiritual power”. The song ends by encouraging the listener to join them and break out of the monotony to seek a deeper connection. “When you’re underground, and if you’re ready now, come out”.

Range Rover- With the combination of a hip-hop beat and steel guitar makes for a captivating cover of the Porches song.

Slow Motion –The lyrics describe a sense of regret for past mistakes and wasted time. “Broken arrows” and a “tiny sparrow” are things that have been forgotten. Slow motion would be a way to experience things thoughtfully.

Pelican – I think that Carol’s voice sounds the best on this haunting track. Contrary to the rest of the tracks in the album there are minimal effects on her voice. This song is practically acoustic, it’s a peaceful song that has a ’70s folk-rock vibe

Nuanced melodies, heavy rhythms, and distorted guitars are found throughout. It’s not always clear what she is singing, but her melodious voice adds to the overall sound of the band. Carol’s siren-like vocals could rattle bones. The lyrics touch on themes of self-discovery and growth. Together they paint a picture of an individual struggle to work through things. “Chord of Sympathy” creates a warm and inviting atmosphere to work through things in solidarity.

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