More about: Famous

To put it in plainly, the new Famous is fucking insane. Disorientating, hellish, and just a smidge bit too cool-for-school, The Valley EP represents Famous down to a T. 

Opening with lead single release ‘Stars’, this track is a fun and warped introduction, from the distorted guitars to frontman Jack Merrett’s mumble spoken word. ‘Stars’ is just the beginning of the frantic, galactic journey you’re about to embark on across the next 20 minutes. 

Released via Untitled Recs, The Valley EP is Famous’ official second studio EP and an intense progression just two years since their debut, England. Striding into grungy, adrenaline-driven second piece, ‘Nice While it Lasted’ the transition from ‘Stars’ is surprisingly smooth sailing. ‘Nice While it Lasted’ has you itching to move, completed by the incredible penetrative craze of guitars, drums and Merrett’s vocals that see no means to slow down. 

When it comes to second releases, there’s a lot of pressure on whether it’ll ever compare to the first, yet somehow Famous have made an insane comeback with The Valley. Fourth track ‘Modern Times’ is easily a standout: it’s alluring, strange, and creepy all at once. Toying with his calm vocal delivery into hellish screams, Merrett explores a range in of escapism, to toxic possession, to drug abuse - at one point aping The 1975. He sings: “Don’t ever look the other way, don’t ever ignore me, oh California here we come, and I’m thinking about fucking in a car and shooting heroin.”  

From here onwards the ride of chaos continues to build as the group take you into their dance-infused, hyper sensual ‘Animal’. Short yet effective, the drums here carry this tune into its own realm. What’s so great about this EP is that each song is completely different to the next, yet the track-list flows perfectly – nothing feels out of place. 

Concluding in the dramatic masterpiece that is ‘The Beatles’, Famous perfectly wrap up The Valley with the ultimate finale. All I can say is, if you aren’t listening to Famous right now, honestly what are you even doing? For the short time that this band have been experimenting in the music industry, they have proved so much; from their live performances to their records, they have crafted a sound that’s completely their own – an incredible second release from a very, very good band.  

The Valley EP is out now via Untitled Recs.

More about: Famous