Simmering beneath the hardened exterior of Death Valley Girls’ girl gang posturing and edge-of-civilization paranoia is a radiant undercurrent of defiant self-confidence coupled with an aura of modern spirituality that imbues their latest album, Under The Spell Of Joy, with a magnetic sense of wonder unglued from convention. It’s a sanctuary where one can retreat from the overwhelming pressures of existence or a rallying cry for manifesting dreams into reality, built upon an ephemeral ideology that exists at the core of human communal existence and has been central to the band’s philosophy since their inception: “everybody’s gotta be in a gang.”
Membership in this gang doesn’t require conversion like organized religion or surrendering to the whims of a megalomaniacal cult leader, the only requirements are that you believe in yourself and support everyone else. Unburdened by claustrophobic traditions and malicious manipulation, Under The Spell Of Joy reframes the concepts of faith and community into a secular new-age gospel by respecting all as equals with unique dreams within the vibrant tapestry of existence. Joined together in a human chain of positive energy, harmonized chanting and swirling instrumentation set the stage for a holy communion at the altar of humanity beneath star-flecked infinity where the only thing separating you from the void is the insulating warmth of communal joy.
Under The Spell Of Joy embodies a dreamlike sense of euphoria and a sublime, willful detachment from reality that encourages exploratory introspection, drawing much of its inspiration from traditional 1960s psychedelia. Echoes of the Rolling Stone’s cosmically expansive The Satanic Majesties’ Request can be heard comingling with the technicolor over-stimulation of The Beatles’ “Strawberry Fields Forever,” and punctuated with bursts of saxophone that recall Steven Mackay’s contributions to The Stooges’ swirlingly chaotic psych-punk masterpiece Fun House. Despite referencing past monuments of psychedelic rock, Death Valley Girls break with tradition by eschewing their forebearers’ bleary, chemically enhanced enlightenment in favor of a different type of journey through the looking glass.
Remarkably clear-eyed, Under The Spell Of Joy attains its own nirvana by embracing the kind of childlike wonder achieved by spending an afternoon lying on the grass gazing up at tufts of passing clouds in a brilliant blue sky. Easily taken for granted in the carefree days of childhood, reaching back and connecting with that sense of wonder as an adult can be incredibly liberating. Finding the fortitude of self to willingly set aside the cumbersome baggage of responsibility and spend a minute, an hour, or an entire day adrift in daydreams and chasing fancies can be a critical antidote to the constant barrage of polarizing energy that permeates modern existence. In those moments it can be easy to see the connective tissue that binds everyone together with the universe around us. Augmenting the band’s typical gang vocals with an actual children’s choir underscores the commitment to this ideal and spreads a layer of wide-eyed innocence across the entire production.
Too much positivity, however, can lead to complacency and Death Valley Girls do not ignore the reality of life beyond the periphery of their rose-colored lenses. Time and space may be infinite but human existence is not. Acknowledgement of this can be the root of existential terror, but it can also be fuel to power a rich life full of meaning and purpose. In particular, the line “make a mistake, tempt your fate, fix it before it breaks, it all ends the same!” leverages this finality in a challenge to seize every moment and take action in the brief time that we are given, rather than wallow in paralyzing self-doubt. Making the leap can be frightening, but the reassuring presence of a supportive gang makes the risk that much easier to take.
In the age of social distancing and stark contrasts in ideological differences, the concept of community is being stressed to its breaking point. When so much in the world is forcing people apart, Death Valley Girls stand with arms spread wide, welcoming all to partake in a celebration of self and encouraging everyone to never give up on the passion that fuels their dreams. “Don’t get distracted, just take some action” or “live in your daydreams if that’s where you’d rather be.” Either way Under The Spell Of Joy is the perfect soundtrack for breaking out or staying in. The choice is yours, and Death Valley Girls have your back, win or lose.
Under The Spell Of Joy is out now on Suicide Squeeze. Digital, vinyl, CD, and cassette versions can be purchased from Death Valley Girls’ Bandcamp or stream the album on Spotify. Follow the band on Instagram.
