Tag Archives: Arthur Valentine

Electronic, EP Review, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Arthur Valentine ‘Splitscreen’ EP

Arthur Valentine has released his debut EP ‘Splitscreen’.Taking its cues from 90s arcade classics like Daytona USA, a Splitscreen video game was used to create the EP’s artwork, and is available for download to coincide with the EP’s release.

Doused in chilled R&B and speckles of soul, ‘Splitscreen’ is Arthur Valentine’s ambitious debut. The level of production on this EP is masterful and well thought out. From gentle guitar glimmering through lush washes of electronics in ‘Track 3’ to the sun-kissed tones, bubbling percussion and airy synths in ‘Dream About You’, the EP surges with lush arrangements and glorious mellow tones. With each subsequent listen, a new melodic embellishment, guitar flurry or percussive peppering is unveiled as Valentine takes his laid back sound to exciting new heights. Even the brooding ‘CHOKER’ unfolds into a treasure of doo-whop -esque melodies, heavy electronics, and biting voice samples as Valentine showcases his fusion of hip hop hued R&B. 

Each track holds its own within the EP with Valentine’s immaculate and smooth vocal delivery tying everything together. His voice croons over velvety melodies in ‘Rainbow Road’ with a soft, soulful tone creating a relaxed evening atmosphere while using autotune backing vocals to add a bite and graceful shift in texture. The subtle contrasts and embellishments within the track are an absolute joy to experience again and again.

‘Splitcreen’ concludes with ‘Ministry Of Happiness’ – the most lush tune on the EP. Valentine infuses sensual jazz elements with R&B before a cinematic crescendo elevates the song enhanced by tropical hues and soft whistle moments of joy. This rosy-hued tune is an absolute delight and a fantastic finale to this special EP.

‘Splitscreen’ is an emotive and utterly compelling body of work. Arthur Valentine is a talented artist and one to keep an eye on.

Stream ‘Splitscreen’ below


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Arthur Valentine ‘Dream About You’

Arthur Valentine has released his latest single, ‘Dream About You’, the lead single from his forthcoming debut EP, ‘Splitscreen’.

‘Dream About You’ blends Arthur Valentine’s luscious alternative pop with bubbling R&B and hip hop elements to create a cohesive, mellow, and infectious number for listeners to indulge in. The song maintains a sunkissed dreamy soundscape throughout filled with woozy synths and bright glistening indie guitar. As the track progresses sticky beats are added into the mix to flesh out the song’s expansive sonic sound.

Valentine layers the backdrop in thick hip hop beats and rippling bass and contrasts this with a wistful melody. The wispy, light texture of the melody immerses the song in a carefree, laid-back tone as Valentine displays his tight and ambitious production skills. Valentine’s soulful vocals ooze tenderness throughout as his laid back tone and the care-free instrumental backdrop gently paces the listener into the songs hypnotic crescendo.

‘Dream About You’ is an irresistible gem and a fine display of Valentine’s cool musicianship. His alternative pop aches with sincerity over sugary arrangements and deft production. There is a compelling and soothing effect to Valentine’s songs and ‘Dream About You’ follows this trend superbly. Arthur Valentine is an artist to treasure.

Stream ‘Dream About You’ below. 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Arthur Valentine ‘Fruit Juice’

Arthur Valentine is delighted to announce the release of his latest single, ‘Fruit Juice’, ‘Fruit Juice’ was born out of quarantine, the making of which has been described as a “cathartic exercise” by Arthur. Recorded over two weeks between tea and basketball breaks in the back garden, Fruit Juice is the brain child of Arthur and fellow Hausu collaborators-turned-roommates Actualacid and Automatic Blue.Despite relative newcomer status, Arthur has already clocked up a lot of ‘gig-miles’ on the Irish circuit including headline slots at the Button Factory’s Crowbar, Cork’s Cyprus Avenue, Bodytonic’s Pot Duggans and a sold out Ruby Sessions show. In addition to this, he has performed numerous times in Cork’s Plugd (The Roundy) and Coughlan’s, as well as an additional performance in Cyprus Avenue supporting Sorcha Richardson.

‘Fruit Juice’ blends Arthur Valentine’s intricate, velvety sound with R&B elements and smooth pop to create a luscious summer track. The melody and sugary production seeps into the ears with ease while the bubbling electronics and jaunty guitar provide zesty bursts of scintillation throughout. A buoyant bass weaves through the tracks elastic backdrop while rich percussive spurts and vibrant beat lay down a hip hop hued foundation for the swirling soundscapes to flourish off.

Arthur Valentine has a wonderful ability to create ear-worm worthy tracks which ooze subtle sonic intricacies and ‘Fruit Juice’ is a perfect example of this. It is a wholly satisfying, irresistible track that is both wonderfully euphoric and masterfully crafted.With elements of Lauv glimmering through the sweet emotion and a Mac Miller sprinkling on top, Arthur Valentine has created a sound that builds on the balmy bliss of lo fi debut single ‘Selfish’ – ‘Fruit Juice’ is a fantastic example of the suave musicianship and precise alternative/pop of Arthur Valentine.

Stream ‘Fruit Juice’ below


Author : Danu

Electronic, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Arthur Valentine ‘2018’

Arthur Valentine has released his new single ‘2018’. Arthur Valentine is the eclectic pop project of Cork based singer/songwriter, producer and co-founder of the Hausu collective, Luke Aston. Employing help from his Hausu collaborators ‘2018’ was recorded over an 18 month period in both homemade, DIY and professional studios.

‘2018’ is a lush melodic number that exudes Arthur Valentine’s perky passionate sound.With warm guitar strides and jingles the track fluidly flows into the ears as the velvety vocals pour soft soul hues on the melty peppy melody. Triumphant brass elements add a glorious vibrant, rich quality to the track. The quirky lyrics and easy listening musicianship with tight and crisp production make this track instantly likeable and cosy. The song travels at a steady pace as Arthur Valentine injects a rich variety of instruments with jazzy elements and electronic textures up to the jubilant crescendo. The song slowly pans out stripping away all the rich instrumentation and vibrant bustle to soft crooned vocals with only delicate strums on guitar to accompany it, creating lonely solitary end to the track. ‘2018’ is a magnificent display from Arthur Valentine

Stream ‘2018’ below 


Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Arthur Valentine ‘Selfish’

Hausu’s pop troubadour Arthur Valentine makes his first on-record appearance with his debut single  ‘Selfish’. Arthur Valentine is the eclectic pop project of Cork based singer/songwriter and producer Luke Aston.His forthcoming debut EP was recorded as a full-band effort, spanning over many sessions, with Hausu musicians chipping in.Originally debuted as a live performance on Mike McGrath Byran’s RedOnRed show on Red FM, ‘Selfish’ is a dreamy sweet track smouldering upon light finger picked guitar and a melty easy on the ears melody. His lush vocals coo and slip effortlessly into his sweet falsetto. Romantic and steeped in a honeyed melody this dreamy ditty flows rippleless-ly into your ears until you are wooed by this simple well crafted track. It’s clever, honest and charming.

Stream ‘Selfish’ below