The creative power behind Berlin shoegaze, Valvo is Luis Mora’s creation and a unique and inventive presence. With the exception of the drums, multi-instrumentalist Mora plays every instrument on his albums, demonstrating his flexibility and commitment to his craft. Mora has succeeded in carving out a distinct place for himself in the shoegaze scene, drawing inspiration from well-known bands like Slowdive, My Bloody Valentine, Whirr, Glare, and Wisp.
Valvo’s sound is best tailored in Berlin, a city renowned for its dynamic and varied music scene. Valvo is one of the few Berlin-based shoegaze musicians offering a fresh take on the genre because of Mora’s skill at fusing components of his influences into a unique and intimate sound palette. Both ardent fans and casual listeners will enjoy the familiar yet distinctive sound of his music.
Valvo’s album “Lost Futures,” which was released on March 22nd, 2024, is more than just an album; it’s a trip through a maze of reflection and melancholy. This album pushes the boundaries of the shoegaze genre while capturing its essence. It was recorded, produced, mixed, and mastered by Luis Mora at the renowned Funkhaus studios in Berlin. Roni Martinez handled mastering. “Lost Futures” is deeply rooted in the concept of nostalgia, drawing inspiration from Slowdive’s “Just for a Day,” particularly in its use of delay and reverb.
The album reflects Valvo’s personal experiences, particularly the tumultuous events of having to emigrate from his home country at an early age and multiple times thereafter. This sense of displacement and the haunting “what ifs” form the core of the album’s narrative. Each track on “Lost Futures” represents a different stage in the protagonist’s journey, from initial distress to the eventual realization that accepting the past is crucial for moving forward. The album explores whether unaddressed past experiences can shape one’s future, inviting listeners to ponder their own lives and reflect on their personal journeys.
Lost Futures Album Track List:
Better Than You:
“Better Than You” from Valvo’s album “Lost Futures” immediately captivated me with its unique blend of sounds. The song’s opening enveloped me in a sweet, soothing sensation, courtesy of smooth synths, calming piano melodies, and charming guitar strings. This paradisical introduction, serene and beautiful, lulled me into a sense of tranquility. However, the melody’s deceptive calm was only the beginning. As the track progressed to the 0:54 mark, it began to evolve, with the guitar strings gaining a brash aura and the synths adopting a more ghostly tone. This subtle shift built anticipation, culminating in an explosion of intensified sounds at the 1:30 timestamp.
The transformation at 1:30 was nothing short of breathtaking. The song erupted into a powerful, energetic rhythm created by the fusion of a vibrating drum beat, ghostly synths, electrifying guitar riffs, and thick bass movements, all accented with smooth piano lacings. This upbeat, fast-tempo rhythm, with its grungy, brash feel, elevated the song’s intensity to new heights. Each instrument seemed to gain vibrance and force with every passing second, creating a soundscape that was both vibrant and melancholic. The interplay between the guitar riffs and the flowing synths was surreal, adding layers of complexity and depth to the track.
I was astonished by the song’s unpredictable nature and the way it displayed Valvo’s musical skill as I listened. “Better Than You” is an aural voyage because of its constant intensity and smooth transitions between quiet and powerful periods. I was able to experience a range of emotional states with this tune, from reflective calmness to exuberant energy, which speaks highly of the song’s mastery. Witnessing this marvel is truly amazing; the dream continued long after the last notes died away. Because of its incredible brilliance and evocative intensity, this song is a must-listen that you shouldn’t miss.
Tainted Memory:
I was taken to a realistic and unadulterated cinematic universe as I listened to “Tainted Memory” from Valvo’s “Lost Futures” album. Power and serenity, boldness and smoothness are expertly balanced in this tune, creating a haunting melody that is both quiet and intense. Ethereal guitar strings, lovely piano melodies, and soothing synth sounds all beautifully interact to create a peaceful and serene environment in the start. But at exactly 0:14, echoing guitar strings are added, adding a gritty, crisp feel that changes the first gentleness into something more strong and aggressive.
As the song progresses, the soundscape continues to evolve. At the 0:57 mark, the emergence of a bass guitar adds depth and thickness, making the entire soundscape feel heavier and more robust. The rhythmic flow and pattern of the bass guitar are majestic, serving as the backbone of the track. The subsequent introduction of a rhythmic drum beat infuses the song with a unique groove, adding life and energy to the already vibrant sound. The combination of these elements creates a downtempo progressive rhythm that is both mellow and powerful, with a haunting base and a brash, crispy coating.
“Tainted Memory” continues to build in intensity and complexity as it progresses. The haunting feel of the synths grows stronger with each passing second, while the electrifying guitar strings provide a magnificent undertone. The consistent presence of the bass guitar adds an exotic touch, making the track feel both familiar and fresh. This instrumental masterpiece demonstrates Valvo’s skill at fusing disparate musical parts into a seamless and engrossing whole. It is a work of art. I’m left in amazement by its complex beauty and profound emotional depth long after the last notes fade.
Lost Futures:
“Lost Futures,” the title track from Valvo’s album “Lost Futures”, carries the emotional weight of the entire album on its back. The song opens with one of the most soothing sounds I’ve ever heard—a melodic interplay between cozy guitar strings and soulful piano melodies. This combination creates a soft, tranquil, and serene atmosphere that is melodically pleasing and captivating. As the initial calmness washes over me, a haunting male voice emerges from the shadows, almost celestial in its quality. This voice, with its mellow and reverberating sound, echoes with lyrics that resonate deeply, further enhancing the song’s emotional intensity.
The entry of the voice is accompanied by the majestic, thick-textured embrace of a bass guitar and the soft movements of synths. Together with the opening guitar and piano melodies, these elements heighten the song’s softness and tranquility, giving it a slow tempo and melancholic feel. The dense aura of emotional intensity is palpable, making the instrumentation feel almost tangible, as if it were touching my very skin. When the song hits the 1:50 mark, it explodes with force brought on by the rhythmic pulse of a drum beat. This drum beat shifts the song from a serene and tranquil soundscape to one brimming with life, intensity, and melodic vigor. The tempo transitions from a slow to a mid-tempo, upbeat rhythm with a progressive feel, adding vibrance and vitality to the initial instruments to keep pace with the drum beat, making the song feel transcendent.
As “Lost Futures” progresses, it continues to exude beauty and intensity, blending serene energy with vibrant force. The song undergoes several shifts, changes, and transitions, highlighting its unpredictability and its intent to explore different sonic territories. It moves from soft and serene to a balance between serene and energetic, then to a more mellow sound, and back again to the serene, energetic piece it began as. This unpredictability becomes the song’s trademark, making it stand out exceptionally. Not knowing what’s coming next, I find myself floating in the awesomeness of the soundscape before me, eager to see where Valvo will take me next.
Stop Running:
The final track, “Stop Running,” from Valvo’s album “Lost Futures” is a masterful creation that transports me into a world where I can pause my everyday worries and gaze at the stars. The depth of the instrumentation and sound feels almost alive, simultaneously simple and complex. It’s a soft, mellow sound with a powerful emotional impact, alternating between thick and thin textures, creating a dynamic and immersive listening experience. The song opens with the sound of raindrops, charming and soothing, which then evolves into a more elegant form.
The sharp, bright yet mellow strings of the guitar, sustained over the gentle celestial movements of piano melodies, create a slow tempo, progressively evolving sound that is sweet, calm, and tranquil yet emotionally intense. As the song progresses, the interplay between the instruments becomes more profound, with uniquely warm and sharp synth sounds elevating the intensity by the second. The instrumentation flows with grace and essence, maintaining a consistent, peaceful cruising. The rhythmic presence of the instruments takes on different forms, yet the core essence of the song remains intact.
At the 2:10 mark, a voice enters with calm and solace, delivering spoken words that touch the very essence of my being, like a poet reciting his verses. This voice doesn’t sing but speaks, adding an additional layer of emotional depth to the track. Overall, “Stop Running” is a magnificent conclusion to an album that is worth listening to on repeat. Its soft, emotionally intense instrumentation, profound interplay between instruments, and spoken words make it a perfect ending, leaving me in a reflective and contemplative state. The track embodies the essence of “Lost Futures”, making it a fitting finale to Valvo’s emotionally charged and musically rich album.
“Lost Futures” is a remarkable piece, showcasing Valvo’s unique ability to blend the familiar and the fresh into a compelling sonic journey. Luis Mora’s personal touch is evident in every note, making the album a deeply emotional and immersive experience. For fans of shoegaze and newcomers alike, Lost Futures offers a captivating exploration of nostalgia and emotional intensity. I highly recommend diving into this album, letting Valvo’s haunting melodies and vibrant soundscapes transport you to a world of introspective reflection and poignant beauty. With its cinematic sound and emotional depth, Lost Futures by Valvo offers a powerful listening experience that is both immersive and thought-provoking, solidifying its place in the modern shoegaze renaissance.
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