On December 13th 2024, Toronto alternative pop rock band Valley performed a stellar show as part of their "Water the Flowers, Pray for a Garden" tour.
Opening for them was indie pop group Bestfriend. They started out their set with their unreleased single "You look just like me" which will officially make its debut online on January 3rd. They also performed "You Want Everyone to Love You", "LEMON LIME" and other songs from their 2024 EP "places i've left". During a break in their set, bassist Daniel Walton expressed how full the room was and how this is a big homecoming show for them. Singer Stacy Kim also got to live out a dream of hers: performing one of her songs while illuminated by lights from a huge audience.
Just before the show, I treated myself to a cup of complimentary coffee at their merch; a much needed drink to prepare for my last show of 2024. Opening their set with the album single "Water the Flowers, Pray for a Garden", the crowd erupted in a roar of excited Val Pals and pop enthusiasts alike. They performed songs off of their new album like the laidback "Let it Rain", the feel good song "A Little More" and other songs from their previous 2023 album "Lost in Translation".
During their set, lead vocalist Rob Laska commented that the album was of "heart and honesty" and that he was amped to be back in their hometown to close out their North American tour. Later on, Karah recalled how they all met because they double booked the same studio in Oakville by accident and that she is proud to be a "suburb band" (despite saying they're from Toronto to anyone outside of Ontario).
They ended their set with a back to back encore of fan favourite track "There's Still a Light in the House", a cover of "Last Christmas" and the anthemic "Bop Ba" which Rob Laska performed from the middle of the crowd. With a setlist that showcased their signature mix of introspective lyrics and upbeat instrumentation, Valley proved once again why they’re one of the most exciting acts in Canada's alternative pop rock scene today.
While the band mentioned that they would take a break after their full tour ends, I cannot say the same - their album has been on repeat since their performance at History. I'm looking forward to their next album and show from this suburb band from Oakville.
Photos and review by John Mendoza.
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