Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

JFH Indie Review

JFH Indie Music Spotlight Review

Deep Valleys

Deep Valleys
Goldhaven

Street Date: August 4, 2019
Style: Alternative Rock / Pop Punk
Official Site: Official Website
Buy It: iTunes
Buy It: Amazon Music
Buy It: IVM Store (CD)



If you’re first discovering Deep Valleys in 2019 like I did, that first listen to their music might lead you to believe that you’ve come upon a well-established or veteran act that you just somehow missed out on. However, despite the apparent chemistry of the band members and the high quality of their output, Deep Valleys has only existed for about five years, with two EPs and a couple of singles to its name thus far. But the band’s first full-length album has arrived and rock fans should probably take notice.

Goldhaven begins with a fantastic single, called “Closer To You.” The energy and pace of the song make for the perfect opener, and the main synth melody is deliciously catchy. “Forever” brings The Gaslight Anthem to mind, particularly in Brian Naus’ vocals, and its chorus features an infectious, dancey rhythm as the band sings, “I’m gonna love You forever, keep me with You.” The upbeat alternative rock comes to a bit of a stop with “Light in the Darkness,” which trades in the drums for a drum machine, with a hint of dubstep for good measure. There are still electric guitars and Naus’ gruff vocals, and I have no complaints about the song itself, but the stylistic shift is slightly jarring. It does, however, lead quite nicely into a couple of ballads; “New York Town” and “Visionary” are both softer jams that don’t sacrifice their alternative edge.

Goldhaven starts off very strong, but its final three tracks may be the best of the bunch. “Reverie” picks the album back up with some truly excellent and well-produced pop punk in the vein of All Time Low. It’s melodic and energetic and is evidence that pop punk is a timeless genre. Following is “Sitting Room,” which begins in much the same way as My Chemical Romance’s “I’m Not Okay (I Promise),” but takes a different direction in the verses. “Sitting Room” may be my favorite track here, but it’s up against some fierce competition in the closing track, “Hold Your Ground.” For this closer, the band summons its inner Set Your Goals, with some chugging guitars, double bass, and some heavier vocals. It’s the only time on the whole album the band gets close to hardcore territory, but I’m hoping it’s something they incorporate more in future albums.

Since its release back in August, Goldhaven has found itself in regular rotation for me, becoming one of my favorite releases of the year so far. Deep Valleys displays a versatility in their genre choices that doesn’t ever sound forced or sloppy, which is no easy feat. I can easily recommend this album to fans of pop punk and alternative rock. Keep an eye on this band, because they’re sure to go places.

- Review date: 9/25/19, written by Scott Fryberger of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!


 

JFH Indie Spotlight Review . Record Label: None
. Album length: 8 tracks: 27 minutes, 27 seconds
. Street Date: August 4, 2019
. Buy It: iTunes
. Buy It: Amazon Music
. Buy It: IVM Store (CD)

  1. Closer To You (2:58)
  2. Forever (3:14)
  3. Light in the Darkness (3:39)
  4. New York Town (3:51)
  5. Visionary (3:43)
  6. Reverie (3:39)
  7. Sitting Room (3:14)
  8. Hold Your Ground (3:06)

 

 

 

go to main Indie review page
go to Indie Review Index

 

                 
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

Search JFH



This Wednesday, October 29, 2025
ALBUMS
Brandon Lake Amazon Music Songline [Provident]

SINGLES
Tikae Maestro Dwell (ft. Kingdmusic) - Single [Tribe Rua]

This Friday, October 31, 2025
ALBUMS
1K Phew What's Understood 3 [Reach]
Hope Deferred Darkness Remains [The Charon Collective]
Vic Lucas The Journey [Syntax]
MORIAH Nice Life - EP [F2]
SEU Worship What A God [Live at JOGS] (feat. Abbie Gamboa) - EP [Provident]
Testimony of Apocalypse Agony in the Garden [Roxx Records]

SINGLES
Alphein Working - Single [Syntax]
Chris Caro It's Okay - Single [Syntax]
Drea LP & OnBeatMusic Still - Single [Syntax]
Dreamers My Heart His Home - Single [DREAM]
Dust and Grace He Made It All - Single [MTS]
Roxanne Grace Try Again - Single [DREAM]
Jericko Skeletons - Single [Syntax]
Kingdmusic Speed Dial (ft Mégan Rose) - Single (independent)
The Light Superior Ghost - Single [Rottweiler]
Lock & Chi Do To Me - Single (independent)
John Long Simple Pursuit - Single (independent)
My Place Was Taken Rude Awakening - Single [Rottweiler]
No Vain Glory ROYALTY (CHOSEN) - Single [Syntax]
Polished Arrow Music LOTW - Single [Polished Arrow Music]
Poor Old Lu The Hurting - Single (independent)
Razzie & Joz NEW PETRO (ft. 4KL) - Single [Syntax]
Saints in Exile Pain is My Best Friend (At My Best) [ft. THE EXILED] - Single [Syntax]
Jordy Sam Hard Days (ft. IAN) - Single [Syntax]
Silent Reflection The Air - Single [Syntax]
Still Remains The Wound and the Weapon - Single (independent)
Warren Zeiders How Great Thou Art - Single [Warner]

This Saturday, November 1, 2025
SINGLES
Relentless Pursuit He Is Coming - Single (independent)

Next Friday, November 7, 2025
ALBUMS
Biscuits Country Fried LoFi - EP [Circle Back]
Jekalyn Carr JEKALYN X LEGENDS [WayNorth]
DAMIAN DAMIAN [DREAM]
Josh Garrels Peace To All Who Enter Here, Vol. 2 (independent)
Amy Jay Mnemonics (independent)
(UN)WORTHY From the Belly of the Beast - EP (independent)

SINGLES
Damian If I Should Fail - Single [DREAM]
Hillside Recording Everlasting Father - Single (independent)
Ian Austin, Heather Suzanne Somewhere Far - Single (independent)
Life.Church Worship Tanto - Single (independent)
Sacrificial Betrayal Take Risk - Single (independent)
Zane Walls YOU ARE THE FIRE (feat. JontheKid) - Single (independent)


For all release dates, click here!
 

Purchase Original Art Prints, Drawings, Stickers, Bookmarks and more from JFH's own John DiBiase!
Need proofreading and editing help? We've got you covered! Click here to learn more
Check out depositphotos for royalty free images