EP Review: Arrow Valley – Embodiment (Self Released)

British heavy alt-rockers Arrow Valley are charging onwards with the release of their much anticipated new EP, Embodiment, out on Friday 18th October.

Arrow Valley officially formed mid-2023, however, founding members, Arron Turner and Luke Hatton, joined forces in 2019 and 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic. The two-piece started out as a studio project extensively working on the band’s debut EP, You’re Not Alone. The released dropped in 2022, and throughout that year, Turner and Hatton began to work on recruiting suitable members to fulfil a complete line-up. Old friend, Mark Harris Bristow, was recruited, and he was soon followed by Abbas Ali.

During the beginning part of 2024, Nicky Hughes, finalised the line-up, and has greatly assisted with cementing and widening the band’s formidable sound.The newcomers have racked up a series of impressive live performances, and the rising quintet are now set to climb again with the release of their new EP, Embodiment.

Arrow Valley have a vast wealth of influences and draw inspiration from modern heavyweights such as Alter Bridge, Tremonti, and Killswitch Engage. Unleashing an imposing and gripping sound, they bind burly alternative rock grooves, fortified by alluring bass lines, thunderous drums, and soaring vocal passages.

Arrow Valley are Arron Turner on vocals, Luke Hatton and Nicky Hughes on guitars, Abbas Ali on bass and Mark Harris Bristow on drums.

Speaking about the new EP, Embodiment, Luke Hatton states:

“I produced nearly all of our music ‘in-house’ (quite literally in my house…). This way we are able to spend a lot more time on the finer details, and I’m so pleased with the sound and vibe of the record.”

Arrow Valley deliver 5 tracks on Embodiment with one of those, Ode (I see You) having been released as a single a couple weeks back and a second single, By Design dropping on the 11th of October. It’s that song, By Design that opens Embodiment and introduces me to the band for the first time and I’m instantly on board thanks to an absolute ear worm of a synthy intro that just grabs you and pulls you into the sound.

We drop down into a softer sound where the vocals lead the way. The vocal tone is strong and quite deep so while they are clean, they have an edge to them, delivering a solid dose of attitude and passion.  As we move further into the song, Arrow Valley transition smoothly into a heavier, rock sound.  The drums kick in and the guitars and bass deliver a riff that will get you moving. As the intensity swells we get some nice harsh backing vocals too. A small thing but it adds depth and these moments are so important if you want to stand out in a packed market.

It’s such a comfortable and engaging opener to listen to. I really like the lyrical content, especially the bits about unplugging and stepping outside and the silky transitions between the gentler, and harder sections keep you very much engaged. It’s a strong start.

That strength continues into Why which kicks off with a catchy as hell riff and drum beat. As it drops down a bit into the clean vocals, they guitars keep a scratchy riff going and the drums offer some real standout fills. It’s very complete sounding and the clarity of production means you really can hear, and feel every note of every instrument.

The first single released from Embodiment, Ode (I See You) has a really memorable riff and impressive drums that instantly grab you. Vocals are strong, again, and there is a very catchy and singable chorus. The music is actually quite progressive with some really neat and unique sounding instrumentation. I’ll even let them off on the pronunciation of the word “you” when they want it to rhyme with the words “know” and “alone”. It’s a pretty song with real heart and meaningful lyrics too and wows again with a cracking little solo that fits the song perfectly.

The Killing Fields ramps up the intensity a bit, keeping a strong rocking rhythm but with an extra bit of synth backing and a big dollop of harsh vocals. They contrast very nicely with the lead vocals and sit over the fiery guitars, drums and bass nicely. Another neat guitar solo screams out and completes a song that offers a lot more frustration and fire as Arrow Valley let a little bit of anger and disappointment out.

Embodiment closes out with All Good Things where we see Arrow Valley bring all the skills from the rest of the EP together into a song that oozes class. Punchy riffs, impressive drumming and layers of backing make for a song full of depth while the vocals offer passionate singing and bookends of harsh shouts. It’s easy to get lost in the sounds and as it transitions into a classy solo, again one that perfectly suits the song, you will find yourself swaying and nodding along. As the last notes fade out, just before you hit that replay button, take a moment to reflect on the quality of Embodiment.

This is very much a release that displays a band with experience. Clearly talented in song and lyric writing, Arrow Valley are delivering music that should have mass appeal. Enough intensity to appease those who lean towards heavier music, but nowhere near heavy enough to alienate those who don’t and a ton of emotion to appease everybody. If you appreciate well written heavy rock, with catchy songs, a plethora of passion and a crisp production, you will find yourself in a happy place with Arrow Valley.

You can presave the new single, By Design, from Arrow Valley here, and can presave the new EP, Embodiment, here.

Arrow Valley Links

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