Hearts of Oak‘s latest album, Valley of Dark Hills, is a sprawling testament to the band’s evolution and resilience, set to release on October 4th via Deer Lodge Records. This ambitious double album spans sixteen tracks over 100 minutes and traverses a diverse landscape of sounds from rowdy rock anthems to heartfelt tones. It’s a striking departure from their 2018 release, Moves, and a vivid representation of their creative journey through joy and sorrow.
At the heart of this record lies a poignant tribute to the band’s late bassist, Aron Christensen. His tragic death in August 2022 cast a sombre light over the album’s production. Found under mysterious and tragic circumstances, his passing has undeniably influenced the creation of Valley of Dark Hills. While Nate Wallace and his bandmates wrestled with grief and the challenges of the pandemic, they channelled their emotions and experiences into a record that, despite its hardships, is a powerful statement of their evolution.
The recording process for this album was far from conventional. It began with the band experimenting with reel-to-reel recordings during their weekly practices that allowed them to capture raw and unrefined versions of their songs. The pandemic’s disruption added to the complications and caused band members to step away and return at different times. This chaotic process resulted in a collection of tracks that blend various influences and styles with each contributing to the album’s rich and layered sound.
One of the standout features of Valley of Dark Hills is its ability to juxtapose energetic and danceable tracks with more reflective and balladic moments. For instance, tracks like “A River Why” showcase Ezra Meredith’s addition of a Stones-esque guitar riff that contrasts sharply with the album’s introspective and sombre ballads. The instrumental opus “Infinite Horizon” exemplifies this balance with Aron’s synth contributions offering a haunting experience.
Nate’s recollection of the album’s journey highlights its personal and professional significance,
“This is a good representation of the live band.”
The album captures the essence of their extensive live performance and offers one a sense of the band’s live energy and dynamic range, from high-energy dance tracks to slow ballads. The inclusion of tracks by friends and collaborators, such as “Dearly Departed” by Mike ‘Reno’ Lund, also underscores its collaborative spirit and the band’s connection to their musical community.
Valley of Dark Hills is a document of Hearts of Oak’s journey through grief and growth. The album’s blend of Americana, psychedelia, and rock reflects the band’s ongoing exploration of their musical identity while honouring Aron Christensen’s memory. The heartfelt nature of this record, combined with its musical diversity, is a powerful and poignant entry in Hearts of Oak’s discography. It showcases their resilience, creativity, and dedication to their craft, all while paying tribute to a beloved bandmate.
