Val Emmich, “Sunlight Searchparty” (5/5)

After 2 years filled with countless record label disputes and a large amount of soul searching, Val Emmich left the major label he was signed to in order to return to his indie, DIY roots. This typically career-ending decision resulted in something I could have never predicted – an album better than all of its predecessors. Emmich’s new record, “Sunlight Searchparty” has exceeded all of my expectations (and then some).

The album starts out with the straightforward song “New Year’s Resolution”, a track about, you guessed it, New Year’s resolutions that don’t stick, as well as the feelings resulting in not living up to your promises. The album then continues with a couple of gritty, blunt songs that perfectly lead into “Cover Up”, one of the more dominant tracks on the CD. In “Cover Up”, Emmich talks about his search for love in a world where authentic romance is hard to find. He depicts this clearly when he belts out the words, “I’m losing faith in love and I’m losing it quick / Everybody’s cheating on the one they’re with / Last night’s crush doesn’t mean that much this morning”.

As you near the end of the CD, the recording gets progressively more candid. Prior to “Decadent Decline”, for example, you can hear a clip of conversation that Emmich has with his band mates before they begin to record the song. The uncommon inclusion of dialogue helps listeners feel closer to Emmich, while also making him look more down to earth and ordinary.

The reason why this album is such a success is that Val Emmich stays close to what he knows he’s good at – powerful lyrics that are recited with such emotion that you can’t help but relate and sympathize with the variety of situations in every one of his songs. It’s brutally honest perspective as well as Emmich’s unmanipulated, raw material creates a record with genuine value & meaning. An album like this doesn’t come around often, and was well worth the wait.

Favorite Track: High Noon



Reviewed By: Cathy