Album Review: Endless Valley – Kaskashir (Copper Feast Records)

Stirring a cauldron of psychedelic, global and progressive sounds, Endless Valley’s sophomore album Kaskashir (Nayivadan for ‘eternal’) takes listeners on a journey through the ancient mystical landscapes of Nayivada. It will be released on August 8th, 2024, via Copper Feast Records.

Showcasing a unique style of haunting psych and progressive soundscapes, Endless Valley will leave a mightily big impression on those who allow Kaskashir to wash over them. The luminous vibes, the vibrant colourfulness of their creativeness, the aspects that spark like a new universe is coming into being, and their innate ability to keep the listener guessing right up to the very end. Kaskashir is for everyone and no-one, proving to be unequivocally interesting but undeniably challenging.

It will polarise, but that’s what makes it fun. Endless Valley have worked hard to express something truly different and that is wonderfully exemplified by the poignant Crimson Star and the electric Opportunistic. Whereas the former is an intro, so short, the latter is Endless Valley stretching their progressive muscles and showing off plenty of that Nayivada mysticism. This, and the following lovable weirdness of the title track, will likely see most making up their mind about the whole thing as you can really experience so much of who and what Endless Valley are in these few tracks.

Although that’s not to say they don’t have plenty more elements to offer as the album continues. First, there’s Eastern Warriror, a track with some funk to it. Then there’s the naturistic and rousing feel of the short intermission, Enamowai. Before The Sun arrives in blinding fashion as Endless Valley continue to find new ways to make the body move, the soul bounce, and the mind to feel like it’s been put through the progressive wringer.

Yet, all that seems to pale in comparison to the latter part of the record. Endless Valley offering up their most disconcerting sounds so far with Visions and then taking everything about them to even greater heights with Feel the Earth. If you’ve loved everything so far, this groovy blast of melody and rock will delight. It’s all over the place at times, but that’s hardly a surprise when you consider the entirety of the Kaskashir listening experience.

Is it the genius, madness, or a bit of both? You decide.

Endless Valley – Kaskashir Track Listing:

1. Crimson Star
2. Opportunistic
3. Kaskashir
4. Eastern Warrior
5. Enamowai
6. The Sun
7. Visions
8. Feel the Earth

Links

Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram | Copper Feast Records