Canada trio Valley is launching a new chapter on their third studio album, Water the Flowers, Pray for a Garden, which arrived today, Aug. 30 via Capitol Records/Universal Music Canada.
Celebrating a decade of music and performances, the band — comprising Rob Laska (lead vocals, guitar), Alex Dimauro (bass), and Karah James (vocals, drums) — showcases their unbreakable adaptability with this new release. The JUNO Award-nominated band’s album reflects their journey through love, loss and self-discovery.
The title track, “Water the Flowers, Pray for a Garden,” was written alongside their hit single “Like 1999,” which dropped in February 2021. The song, which had been sitting in Dropbox for three years, explores themes of emotional growth and finding balance.
James reflected on discovering the song and their refocus into the pop genre.
“We really had these two paths that we previously didn’t know we had. ‘Water the Flowers, Pray for a Garden’ has brought them back to who they were always meant to be; somewhere more playfully between indie, folk and pop, with a lyrical depth of a band that has worked through every stage of the grieving process.”
James added, “It feels like us. It feels like a path that finally feels like Valley.”
Today’s single, “Bop Ba,” is an intimate folk-pop track that delves into personal transformations experienced by each band member. Laska draws from his mother’s struggle with bipolar disorder, while James channels his feelings of dependency and unhealthy attachment in a romantic relationship.
The band spent February at a cabin in the Smoky Mountains, working with COIN’s Chase Lawrence. There, they processed heartbreak and reflected on their future after the departure of founding guitarist Mickey Brandolino.
“The songs just poured out of us,” Laksa said. “I think that’s a true sign of when you’re making something special. We weren’t looking for things to write about. We knew exactly what we needed to write about. This is the first time I think we’ve ever witnessed as a band where everything’s there, we just have to reach and grab it.”
Water the Flowers, Pray for a Garden captures the raw emotions of Valley’s journey through pain and joy, symbolizing their growth and new beginnings as they turn over new stones in their artistic garden.
The band will embark on their headlining Water the Flowers, Pray for a Garden North American Tour this fall. For ticket information, go here.
Keep up with Valley: Instagram // Spotify // X // YouTube // Website
