Published on Monday, 17 July, 2017 - 09:22
After two years up in the stratosphere with the hugely successful ‘The Race For Space’, Public Service Broadcasting are returning to earth. J. Willgoose, Esq., now has an established reputation for weaving forensic, historical research into evocative storytelling. This time he is taking us on a journey down the mineshafts of the South Wales valleys and using the history of coal mining to shine a light on the disenfranchised.
The band’s first release through independent label Play It Again Sam, ‘Every Valley’ examines the history of coal mining in South Wales. It is a record about community and what happens to an area when its lifeblood is ripped from it and as much as anything, it is a metaphor for a much larger, global and social malaise.
- “the music beautifully captures a sense of awesome industrial power and a crushing sense of loss” The Guardian ««««
- “sublime” Uncut ««««
- “in these days of political confusion and wilting job security, Every Valley is timely, and useful” Mojo ««««
- "Poignant and powerful” Q ««««
- “PSB’s unique proposition: a concept album on the dignity of labour” The Times ««««
- “a rich seam of sonics and sentiment… The overall effect is sad and stirring” Evening Standard ««««
- “Every Valley ties together a story that needs to be re-told with utmost care and attention” DIY ««««
- “lush and symphonic… A testament to the power of people” The Skinny ««««
- “Every Valley is certainly an important and timely record, but happily it's also an extremely satisfying and moving one” Drowned in Sound 9/10
- “these lullabies for working-class pride deep-mine history with great storytelling skill, sensitivity – and, pointedly, a kick of sustained political relevance” Record Collector ««««
- “tight guitar motifs, subtle orchestration and thrilling soundbites” Louder Than War ««««
- “a sophisticated, intellectually stirring listening experience” Reader’s Digest (Album of the Month)
- “An unquestionably worthwhile and earnest endeavour” Classic Pop ««««
- “a beautifully put together and educational album” Long Live Vinyl 9/10
- “An epic testament to human spirit and heroic endeavour” Prog