Based in the Appalachian mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina, USX is a band that has been together for almost a decade playing their special brand of rock influenced by various genres. Their newest release is The Valley Path, a single song record, is quite the journey to take and an impressive effort all around.
The one track record clocks in at just less than 40 minutes. It starts off with slow build-up from the guitar that is assisted by the use of some eerie background noise. A menacing factoring is added to the music when the drum kicks in. The song starts to gain momentum and there is a sense of power and awe in the music starting around the 8 minute mark. The lyrics fit well, overall, to make the experience so far all the more haunting. Eventually, there is a winding down off sorts that acts as a break between parts of the song. The music really begins to pick up again after the 14 minute mark with blaring guitars and drums. It is a great display of musicianship that helps to convey the majestic quality of the music in this part.
The third part begins around the 20 minute mark with the eerie background noise that is reminiscent of the sounds of nature when the sun starts to set. It helps to convey a feeling of seclusion, perhaps in forest being overtaken by a creeping fog. The fourth part begins around the 27 minute mark with the added bonus of lyrics being brought back after a long absence. The rumbling of drums fades the song out into the sound of nature concluding the wander through “The Valley Path.”
USX’s The Valley Path is a fantastic journey to take and an adventure that everyone should go on at least once in their lifetime. It is a soundtrack for the body and soul.
Key Tracks: The Valley Path
Brian McKinnon - Muzikreviews.com Staff
September 18, 2011