Every Valley
Public Service Broadcasting · 2017
44 min · 11 tracks · synth-pop
A blend of archival sound samples and rich instrumentation creates a reflective journey through the decline of coal mining in Wales.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
People Will Always Need Coal — This track encapsulates the album's central theme, using a mix of nostalgia and critique to address the enduring reliance on coal despite its environmental consequences.
-
→
The Pit — With its driving rhythm and evocative sound design, this track immerses listeners in the gritty reality of coal mines, representing the physicality and danger of the profession.
-
→
Go to the Road — This song shifts to a more personal narrative, reflecting on community ties and memories tied to the landscape, highlighting the human aspect behind industrial change.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album effectively combines historical samples with modern synth-pop, creating a unique narrative experience.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a spoken-word sample that sets a historical context, followed by a gradual build-up of instrumentation in the first track.
- Each song incorporates archival audio clips related to coal mining, blending them seamlessly with synth melodies and rhythmic elements.
- The pacing varies significantly, with tracks like 'People Will Always Need Coal' featuring driving beats, while others like 'Turn No More' slow down for reflective moments.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- reflective journey through history
- cathartic release of nostalgia
- immersive storytelling through sound
- patient unfolding of themes
- rich instrumentation with archival samples
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer standalone singles
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on July 7, 2017, Every Valley is Public Service Broadcasting's third studio album, following their critically acclaimed release, The Race for Space. At this point in their career, the band had established a unique identity by combining historical narratives with innovative soundscapes, further evolving their concept-driven approach.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Battles· The Notwist· Hot Chip
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Every Valley 4:42
- 2 The Pit 4:24
- 3 People Will Always Need Coal 4:46
- 4 Progress 3:25
- 5 Go to the Road 4:16
- 6 All Out 3:22
- 7 Turn No More 4:35
- 8 They Gave Me a Lamp 3:56
- 9 You + Me 5:44
- 10 Mother of the Village 3:37
- 11 Take Me Home 2:11
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.