motel void

Olivia Valentine was founded eight years ago by musicians Phil Korosec and Geoff Hrabar. Initially launched as a recording project in 2017, the duo quickly realized their music had the potential to go beyond the studio. Following the release of their debut EP, Can’t Be Trusted, the project evolved into a full band with the addition of Thomas Dietzel (guitar, backing vocals, keys, trombone, and percussion), Larissa Dietzel (bass), and Daniel Bishop (drums).

The new five-track EP The Couch Cushion opens with And Now Just Be, a song with post-punk atmosphere that carries a subtle rawness, immediately pulling the listener in. This tension is soon contrasted by a calm, melodic and catchy vocal line. I wouldn’t call myself an expert on Radiohead’s discography, but the vibe of some of my favorite tracks from In Rainbows instantly came to mind. Around the 45-second mark, the song transitions into a more expansive, anthemic section, immersing itself in a hypnotic, almost krautrock-inspired groove.

Ride surprises with its warm synth tones and a more playful vocal delivery, as if it had suddenly transported itself to the second half of the ‘90s, channeling the lo-fi charm of Guided by Voices at their most fun and carefree. The track feels vibrant and full of movement, effortlessly shifting between textures and moods.

My Records Back continues to showcase the EP’s lush production, where no detail feels overlooked. One standout element here is the drumming – precise, dynamic, and full of character. The vocal melody is arguably the catchiest on the record, yet it never feels overbearing or forced. I also appreciate the song’s shorter runtime, which suits Olivia Valentine’s aesthetic perfectly—concise and impactful.

Love Is Not opens with an almost trip-hop-inspired introduction before seamlessly transitioning into a rich alternative rock sound. The EP closes with Tangerine Sofa, a melancholic, near-ballad that carries an emotional weight. These final two tracks, wrapped in a distinctly rock-oriented sound, remind me of The Smashing Pumpkins’ later ‘90s work – heavy yet deeply emotive.

This is a remarkably strong EP, with And Now Just Be and My Records Back standing out as personal favorites. These high-energy tracks are driven by smart vocal melodies and a rhythmic pulse that makes it impossible not to tap along. Olivia Valentine has crafted a release that feels both thoughtfully produced and effortlessly engaging – dynamic, rich in atmosphere, and full of replay value.

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