Newvale

Friday, February 2, 2007

Newvale is new venture

Orange Pop music column.
By ROBERT KINSLER
Special to the Register

If Newvale had no other distinction than being fronted by one-time Something Corporate guitarist Reuben Hernandez, that alone might well be enough to get the San Clemente-based band some notice.

But the fact that Newvale has released an EP of songs that equals his old band's best efforts makes listening to the four tracks on "Summer's Gone" an unexpected thrill. Add to that unlikely scenario that the music sounds little like Something Corporate and is crafted by a sparse lineup of singer-guitarist Hernandez, bassist Brandon Wong and drummer Jon Dreyer, and many discerning listeners will be amazed.

"I met (Dreyer) at his sister's college graduation," Hernandez said of the band's inception just over a year ago. "Jon and I got together in December '05. It was perfect timing because he had just quit his other band."

The recruitment of Wong, a native of Hawaii who relocated to Southern California three years ago to pursue musical dreams, was another timely decision. Wong joined the band in May, and Newvale played its first show in June.

"We had another guitar player, but that didn't work out," Hernandez admitted.

Wong picked up the story: "I had never played bass; I played guitar. Reuben taught me the basics, and I picked it up."

Within a few months, Newvale was opening for bands such as Good Charlotte and performing at some of Orange County's best-known venues, including the Galaxy Concert Theatre. The Santa Ana venue holds a number of great memories for Hernandez, who played with Something Corporate on a bill opening for Sugar Ray at the beginning of the group's rise and notes that SC's first album, "Ready … Break" was recorded backstage at the club and released by Coach House Records in September 2000.

The three musicians went into Lendroma Studio in September with producer Kelly Winrich (best known as the drummer of San Clemente-based Bril), and it took a mere 2 1/2 days to record the memorable title track, as well as "Explosions in the Distance," "Flowers and Parking Tickets" and "Our Thursday."

"It has its ups and downs," Wong said of being a part of Newvale, which like most bands, has to navigate the business and creative sides of making music.

Added Dreyer: "Any band will have adversity. We're really good at hashing things out and keeping everyone on the same page."

Newvale clearly sounds modern, with "Summer's Gone" recalling recent work from Snow Patrol and Coldplay, but there is a laid-back, melodic vibe that may have something to do with the beach lifestyle enjoyed by the trio. Think of it as a cross between Jack's Mannequin and Sugar Ray, with a bit of Dashboard Confessional thrown into the sonic mix.

"We're passionate about what we're doing, and it's cool that we have people listening to our music," Hernandez said.
Dreyer said the trio has a number of goals, and hope the powerful and tuneful sound they have fashioned will attract a following far outside Orange County.

"We have lots of hope for the future. We plan to keep knocking on all kinds of doors," Dreyer said, adding that Newvale will likely embark on a West Coast tour this year.

Hernandez said the extensive comparisons with other artists from those hearing their songs – including the Cure, Green Day and Soul Asylum – is an extension of the vast soundscape they plan to continue to explore.

"Lyrically, I want to write songs that are honest and inspire people," Hernandez said.

Newvale will perform on a bill with Tokyo Rose and Next Door at the Alley, 139 W. Amerige, Fullerton, at 7 p.m. March 10. Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door.

Information: www.MySpace.com/Newvale.

Contact the writer: rockwrite@yahoo.com

http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/entertainment/music/article_1561832.php

- The Orange County Register

Band: Newvale
Title: Summer’s Gone EP
Label: None
Release Date: N/A
Review By: Wilhelm

Tracklisting:
01. Summer’s Gone
02. Explosions in the Distance
03. Flowers and Parking Tickets
04. Our Thursday

Band Members:
Reuben Hernandez: Vocals, Guitar
Jon Dreyer: Drums, Percussion
Brandon Wong: Bass, Guitar, Back-Up Vocals

I had not previously heard of Newvale until Sir Brandon Jones named them the featured artist. I had originally avoided listening to them because I had immediately written them off as a moderately cheeseball, pop punk outfit. Happily, though, I am glad I was incorrect. Once hearing their song, “Summer’s Gone,” I immediately decided that I needed to hear more. When I put Newvale’s EP in my cd player, I immediately became hooked with what I was hearing. As cliche as that sounds, it is totally true.

The EP begins with my personal favorite track, “Summer’s Gone,” which is a song swelling with passion and intensity rarely heard in my ears. I enjoy the subtle, relatively clean guitars that stream throughout this album. Reuben Hernandez does an amazing job with vocals throughout the album. The vocals are carefully balanced with soft intensity without sounding like too much of a nasal whine (which can be annoying… as heard with New Found Glory). Regardless, Hernandez fits in nicely with this EP. Musically, I really enjoy the talent of these three gentlemen. Out of everything I’ve heard on this four song EP, nothing grinds against my musical training. Honestly, this is the kind of music I would consider for late night, solitary driving… (singing loudly, air drumming, air guitaring, and reflecting on various things)

Although lyrics were not included with the EP, it was enough for me to figure out that the majority of the songs dealt with relationships and other realms of the heart. Without actually knowing the lyrics, I can honestly not comment any more and not sound like an ignorant idiot.

To me, the standout tracks (considering there are only four songs on the EP) are “Summer’s Gone” and “Our Thursday.” I personally enjoy everything about these two songs. I like these songs to the point where I would be willing to buy the album just for those 2 songs. Newvale does a great job with incorporating heartfelt passion with good music and I am very excited to see what comes from the gentlemen of Newvale. For now, though, you can listen to three of the four songs from the “Summer’s Gone EP” on their myspace and purevolume profiles.

In conclusion: Newvale deserves a listen from any self respecting Indie/whatever fan. Although the album is incredibly short, the songs on the album are well worth your attention.
For those interested, the cd (for now) is available directly from the band’s myspace via paypal.

Newvale on Myspace
Newvale on Purevolume

This entry was posted on Wednesday, January 24th, 2007 at 10:43 pm and is filed under Reviews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

http://www.indievisionmusic.com/wordpress/2007/01/24/2364/
- Indie Vision Music