Review
Kassi Valazza's "Dear Dead Days" is a captivating album that weaves together country, folk, and psychedelic rock, with a strong nod to Americana and country rock, much like the intricate narrative threads in a rich novel. The introspective songwriting and vintage vocals, reminiscent of legendary artists like Emmylou Harris, evoke a sense of timelessness, as if the songs are being unearthed from a dusty, old vinyl collection. With its unique blend of gentle ballads and cosmic nuances, "Dear Dead Days" offers a textured listening experience that conveys a sense of melancholy, wisdom, and poetic storytelling, all deeply rooted in Valazza's Southwestern heritage. As a debut album, "Dear Dead Days" showcases Valazza's talent for forging a personal connection with her audience through thoughtful lyrics and evocative melodies, much like the way a great book can transport you to another world. The album's cinematic quality and emotional depth make it a compelling introduction to Valazza's music, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in her world of nostalgic, yet expansive, soundscapes. - Josh
Artist Bio
Kassi Valazza is a singer-songwriter originally from Arizona who spent much of her career in Portland, Oregon, blending country, folk, and psychedelic-tinged Americana into a subtly Southwestern style. Breaking through with her 2019 debut album, *Dear Dead Days*, she quickly earned a cult following and later signed with Portland's indie label Fluff & Gravy, home to artists like Anna Tivel and Margo Cilker. Her sophomore effort, *Kassi Valazza Knows Nothing* (2023), received critical praise from NPR, KEXP, and MOJO, and continued to showcase her poetic lyricism and intricate arrangements alongside a close group of Portland musicians. Valazza’s music, often likened to Sandy Denny, Margo Price, or Riddy Arman, dwells on themes of anxiety, growth, and personal observation, marked by her literary approach and gentle experimental touches. Touring alongside Americana mainstays and steadily expanding her audience with each release, Valazza stands out for her narrative clarity and nuanced modern take on folk and roots traditions.