Valley Breaks Hearts with their New Single “Have A Good Summer (Without Me)”.
Written by Shauna Hilferty
Becca Hamel
Just three weeks before the release of their sophomore studio album Lost In Translation, Canada’s favorite indie-pop four-piece band Valley releases their latest song, “Have A Good Summer (Without Me)”. Filled with musical references, metaphors, and their signature dream-synth sound, the track captures a bittersweet breakup at the beginning of summer. It seems ironic since most songs depict summer as a time to fall in love, and not out of it. But Valley’s always been unconventional in their approach to songwriting about relationships, and “Have A Good Summer (Without Me)” is no exception.
The song begins with a soft synth and an echo of lead vocalist Rob Laska’s voice, speaking in metaphors like, “You’re a red balloon floating in a blue sky” and “You’re the sun that’s setting right behind the ocean” – all describing something fleeting, never lasting, all leading to a break in instrumentals right before a sweeping chorus. The song houses multiple references to musical icons like Bruce Springsteen’s “Born To Run” and Fleetwood Mac’s very own Stevie Nicks – both of which have their fair share of heartbreak anthems. Drummer and vocalist Karah James harmonizes with Laska for the remainder of the song in bits and pieces, adding depth and layers to an already heartbreaking sound. Mickey’s guitar solo adds to the bridge’s sonic and lyrical intensity, with bassist Alex Dimauro grounding the song’s entirety with a steady bassline.
Detailing a very distinct feeling of longing and loss, “Have A Good Summer (Without Me)” is not a song for your daytime summer party playlist, but deserves a spot on your summer late-night drive playlist. Euphoric, nostalgic, and most of all, bittersweet – Valley gets it every time.
Be sure to listen to Valley’s forthcoming album available on all streaming platforms from Universal Music Canada on June 23, 2023. Check out the official tracklist below, and find my personal Valley favorites here.
LOST IN TRANSLATION TRACKLIST
theme
Lost In Translation
Throwback Tears
Natural
Break For You
Have A Good Summer (Without Me)
Good, but not together
Evenings & Weekends
i thought i could fly
Either Way, I'm Going Your Way
I Haven't Seen You In Forever
We Don't Need Malibu
Keep My Stuff
Big Jet Plane
Fishbowl