Progressive rock/metal up-and-comers Valence are just about to change the game by dropping their new full-length album Cognitive Dissidents (out April 12th). The New York-based 4-piece have an eye for storytelling through their tunes and that is clearly evident in this new playthrough for the song “Preferred Nomenclature” from the upcoming record. Sit back, relax, and be amazed, only right here, on Gear Gods!
If you’re into bands like Between the Buried and Me, Opeth, and Haken, these guys are going to be right up your alley. It’s one thing for bands to write long, riffy songs on purpose, but it’s another entirely to have them flow seamlessly between parts and make it seem like no time has passed, which is exactly what Valence have done here. It’s jammy and groovy but still has that technical edge to hold your attention throughout. And even the band is an instrumental group, there are no moments that make you wish this track had vocals, which says something about both the melodic content of the song and Valence’s ability to craft a well-thought-out and substantial piece of music.
About the track, guitarist Geoffrey Schaefer said:
“Preferred Nomenclature” is the finale of a group of songs we refer to as “The Dude Suite.” We all cite The Big Lebowski as one of our favorite movies of all time and since it’s unusual to NOT hear a Big Lebowski quote when the members of Valence get together, we though it appropriate to use some of these as the song titles.”
As for gear, here’s what the guys are rocking:
Mike
- PRS Custom 24 (Wood Library model)
- Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier Roadster
- Maxon OD808
- Boss NS-2
Geoff
- Agile Pendulum 8 with Lace X-Bar pickups
- Mesa Boogie Mark IV
- Paul Cochrane Timmy
- GFI Specular Reverb
- TC Electronic Sentry
WilHelmus.!
- Aguilar TH500 Amp
- Aguilar Super Double Pickups
- Aguilar OPB-3
- Maxon CP-9Pro+
- AMT SS-11b Preamp (for distortion)
- Maxon Fuzz Elements Void Fuzz
- Gruv Gear Solo Strap Neo
(Mike, Geoff, and WilHelmus.! all use Evidence Audio SIS Cables, Barefoot buttons, and Gruv Gear Fret Wrap)
Chris
- Yamaha Stage Custom Drums
- Yamaha Wood Shell Mounted Snare
- Yamaha Elvin Jones Signature Series Snare Drum
- Soultone and Zildjian Cymbals
- Pearl Demon Drive Double Bass Pedals
- Vic Firth Metal Nylon Drum Sticks
Be sure to follow these dudes on Facebook for more info and tour dates, as well as check out their music on Bandcamp and their website.
