As a self-producer and solo songwriter, Ayleen Valentine is a true triple threat emerging in the indie-alternative scene. We were fortunate to have her as a guest on our tastemaking podcast, Chef’s Choice, where she shared the therapeutic, solitary process of music creation for her, emphasizing that genre knows no bounds and exploration is key. *little rainbows after death* is a testament to her visionary approach, showcasing expansive musicality delivered with intimacy.
The album opens with “wanted to f**k myself today,” setting the stage for the sonic heavenscape that follows. Valentine skillfully layers her vocals, weaving a lush blanket of harmonies that envelop the melody, conveying meaning through ambiance as much as through lyrics. Next, “CS-80” enters new neural pathways with its pop-grunge fusion, featuring probing synths. Valentine also delves into heavier sonic territories on “little rainbows after death”, particularly with the lead single, “ask nicely.”
The song begins with her signature enticing hyper-pop sound before exploding into shoegaze darkness. Distorted guitars create a wall of noise that supports her fuzzed vocals as she reaches new heights. Listeners can truly hear her let go, tapping into a newfound edge of grit. “000memories” pushes even further, with screamed metal vocals contrasting soft-spoken verses. She crafts a uniquely dark dreaminess, enveloping the track in celestial reverb, oscillating between ghostly and angelic depending on the song’s direction.
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