The Valley Arena
“Take Comfort in Strangers”
Astro Magnetics

So Geoff Rickly from Thursday got paid enough money that he was able to start his own record label. The Valley Arena are his new label’s, Astro Magnetics, first release. The Valley Arena would typically be described as “post-hardcore”, whatever the fuck that means. I associate the term with later era Dischord bands. If you dig that shit you’ll like Geoff’s new heart throbs.

If the term “Post-Hardcore” frightens you, don’t be too alarmed. The music on this bad boy is very accessible and actually a lot of fun. The dueling guitars are all over the place and very Quicksand-ish. I like the fact that this band sound like veterans despite this being their debut. So get out there and help make Geoff a richer man….I think he needs some new products for his hair. Have I mentioned that if Thursday died in a terrible helicopter accident I wouldn’t care?


Reviewed by: Adam Circumstance
Reviewed on: July 6, 2005