In the Valley Below Mesmerizes Songbyrd with an Intimate and Unpredictable Performance
On a warm and rainy evening in Washington, D.C., the eclectic venue of Songbyrd became the stage for a truly memorable night as Los Angeles-based duo In the Valley Below brought their unique blend of dark electro-pop to the nation’s capital. Touring in support of their latest project, “The Black Moon Tour 2024,” the duo, comprised of vocalist/guitarist Jeffrey Jacob and vocalist/keyboardist Angela Gail, delivered a performance that was as polished as it was unpredictable, much to the delight of their devoted fans.
Known for its noir-tinged, stylish soundscapes, In the Valley Below has been captivating audiences since its formation in 2011. Hailing from Memphis, Tennessee, and Muskegon, Michigan, respectively, Jacob and Gail have honed a sound that effortlessly fuses sumptuous power balladry with sleek, radio-ready indie pop. Their journey began with a series of singles and EPs, leading up to their full-length debut, “The Belt,” in 2014. Their hit single “Peaches” made waves on the Alternative and rock charts, further establishing their presence in the indie music scene. Over the years, they’ve continued to evolve, with their sophomore album, “The Pink Chateau,” released in 2019, accompanied by a promotional film, and featuring the single “Rise,” produced by TV on the Radio’s Dave Sitek.
The concert began with the haunting tones of “White Light,” setting an atmospheric tone that quickly captivated the audience. However, just as the crowd was getting into the groove, a technical issue interrupted the set. Instead of letting the problem derail the evening, Jacob and Gail took the opportunity to do something truly special. Moving into the crowd, they performed acoustic versions of “Lie with Me” and an unexpected yet heartfelt cover of Pat Benatar’s “Shadows of the Night.” This impromptu acoustic session transformed what could have been a frustrating moment into one of the night’s most intimate and memorable experiences.
Once the technical difficulties were resolved, the duo returned to the stage, picking up where they left off with renewed energy. Angela Gail seamlessly transitioned back to her position behind the keyboard, adding another layer of depth to the rich, electronic textures that define their sound. As they played through their set, the audience was not only enveloped by the music but also by the stunning visuals projected on the background screen. These visuals, created by Angela Gail herself, added a rich, immersive layer to the performance. The imagery, blending abstract art with thematic elements from their albums, mirrored the mood of each song perfectly, drawing the audience deeper into the world of In the Valley Below.
Throughout the evening, they treated the audience to a selection of their most beloved tracks, blending moody, introspective lyrics with infectious melodies. Each song, whether from their debut album “The Belt” or more recent works like “The Pink Chateau,” showcased their ability to create a deep emotional connection with their audience.
The performance was a testament to In the Valley Below’s professionalism and their commitment to their craft. Even in the face of unexpected challenges, they managed to deliver a show that was both intimate and electrifying. Their time at Songbyrd was more than just a concert; it was an experience that left the audience feeling connected not just to the music, but to the artists themselves. As they continue on “The Black Moon Tour 2024,” it’s clear that In the Valley Below is a band that thrives on the live connection with their fans, making each performance a unique and unforgettable journey.
Photo’s (c) Ryan McCormick
