My friends who are passionate about pets and animal welfare always remind me of the needs of others, so I am happy to share back with them that for everyone who goes online and purchases a ticket to the Valentiger album release party at The Pyramid Scheme, you will get
Stray Animals on Saturday night.
Ok, now before you call Kent County Animal Control -- which has better things to do than listen to your reactionary rant -- and multitask by firing off a letter to our publisher, Jeff Hill, I really want to be clear here. The album is called
Stray Animals and if you purchase a ticket at this
link you will get a copy of the new release.
The guys never fail to impress, as was the case in 2011 when they released the
Oh, To Know! album with a musical performance in the round at the former Photography Room/Bar Divani event space on Ionia Ave. It was magical to see Valentiger in this manner on the eve of their debut at SXSW.
The new album will be played in its entirety by the band and it's the last time you will see them live in the area, since they begin an East coast tour starting July 17.
What makes this act stand out is that they are currently 100% independent, handling all their own PR as well as the bookings. "Super grassroots," is how band mate Scott Rider describes their style.
"This album also features Bill Kahler our bass player," says Rider. "He has been with the band since the release of the last album
Oh, to Know! but this is the first album he has recorded with us." Rider also adds that
Stray Animals showcases Brent's vocals beautifully on this lyrically rich 10-track release.
As it spins in the background as I write this preview, it is always nice to have Valentiger in the house, even if only on the stereo. It just feels like home … and that is where they come from: Grand Rapids, baby!
Opening for the boys at The Scheme are Jonathan Timm and The HandGrenades.
Admission: $12 (and includes a
Stray Animals release.)