Val Emmich—Here Comes the Dark

I can still remember when I first came across Val Emmich’s music. This was back in the days when labels, management, and PR companies sent out physical CDs. I was in the car and grabbed whatever disc was closest, which happened to be Val’s “Little Daggers”. I quickly became completely taken with it, especially the track “Hurt More Later”, which has made several appearances on the podcast.

The album opens with "Shame Spiral" and I have to admit my first thought was "what the hell". It is dark and brooding and not the upbeat Val I remember from earlier albums. Given the title it should not be entirely surprising, but it still caught me off guard. There is almost a funeral march feel to the track.

The darker tone continues, but things rise a level with "Here Comes The Dark" and its very bass driven rhythm supported by warm strings, or perhaps a synth underpinning everything. It is not a conventional banger, but it has that steady build that peaks with a satisfying dark twist.

"Don't Stop" brings back the vocal qualities I remember from Val’s earlier work, though with a touch more angst woven in. As the track builds, those choral vocals return, adding a welcome layer of texture to the song.

Things move in a different direction with "Done With The Dishes" and its almost EDM influence, certainly not something I was expecting, but it all comes together once the vocals start. This is not an invitation to the dance floor, but there are definitely heavy accents throughout. The end result, while unexpected, actually works pretty well.

With "Got Me Again", the opening immediately reminded me of 80s indie, maybe even the Smiths, but once the vocals enter, it takes a different direction—still 80s, but leaning more toward a synth-driven sound.

The album returns to a more traditional, almost acoustic folk sound with "Denial". Musically, it’s reminiscent of Plain White T’s "Delilah", but imagined a few years later—she has given up waiting for him, while he has not given up hoping.

Once again, the album shifts vibe with "No Show". The piano feels empty and eerie, while the vocals enhance the dark textures. It has a doom-and-gloom quality, with a subtle build that never quite reaches an awakening, yet there’s something about the track that lingers and makes you want to listen again.

The album closes with "Little By Little", a track that blends angst with a glimmer of optimism. Its introspective lyrics and measured pacing leave a lasting impression, offering a sense of resolution while acknowledging the struggles woven throughout the album. It’s a fitting finale that lingers in the mind, balancing melancholy with a quiet hopefulness.

For me, this has been an album that isn’t the kind you put on for a singalong. If I had taken the album title at face value, my expectations would probably have been very different. That said, it is an album with many wonderful moments. I have to admit, I’m not a big fan of the opening track, and it’s one I’ll likely skip on future listens. Perhaps it’s just in the wrong position on the album, because the rest of the record offers plenty to enjoy.

Overall, this album is a compelling journey through moods, textures, and emotions. It may not be immediately accessible or designed for casual listening, but for those willing to engage with it, there is a lot to discover and appreciate. Val Emmich has crafted a record that is thoughtful, varied, and full of character, an album that rewards repeated listens and demonstrates his continued growth as a songwriter and artist.