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Sep 17, 2021It’s also arguably his most energetic solo album. ... It works equally well as lean-forward or lean-back music — the listener can focus on it or simply have it on as atmosphere that enhancing the environment without distracting from it.
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UncutSep 17, 2021Local Valley is positive, engaged, almost rousing. [Oct 2021, p.32]
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Sep 17, 2021Like any good work of indie folk, González’s voice and guitar blend together as one, creating a uniquely placid experience. It’s sleepy, acoustically sound, and definitely worthy of its place in González’s already impressive catalogue.
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Sep 17, 2021It's the consistency and quality of his work that continue to impress, and the timeless Local Valley slots easily into his catalog as if it's always been there.
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Sep 17, 2021Ultimately, Local Valley becomes a place where melody and mystique are woven well in tandem and relentless reflection gives way to a sense of clarity and comfort. Be assured the depth of devotion is never in doubt.
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Oct 6, 2021González adds in playful elements like metronomic percussion (Lasso In) and danceable cumbia rhythms with mixed results (Swing.) And though both are charming in their own right, they don't quite measure up to the haunting simplicity of his best work.
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Oct 6, 2021González no longer aspires to perform strident music for crowds. The songs on Local Valley show he is happy to show the way quietly.
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Sep 21, 2021González hasn’t changed much since his 2003 debut ‘Veneer’ but his fans won’t be disappointed by his new project and will surely be glad to have new songs after waiting six years.
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Sep 17, 2021Even when Local Valley is working as well as his last few releases, it’s hard not to wish for a little more than consistency.
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Sep 17, 2021It’s an album that scores highly on philosophy and intellectual curiosity, providing a welcome moment of relief from the frenzy of modern life.
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Oct 1, 2021These new songs are energizing for González, but they lack that sense of genuine discovery, of a songwriter being lifted away from his usual comforts. Instead of letting the drum machine reshape his songwriting, he mostly uses it as a metronome.