Valerian Swing

Valerian Swing

Valerian Swing is an Italian group that forms in 2007 and works as an instrumental-driven act rooted in post-rock, post-hardcore, experimental music and math rock. The group begins in Correggio, and its early line-up includes Stefano Villani, Davìd Ferretti and Alan Ferioli. It later adds vocals, before returning to a trio and then expanding again during the period when it develops its early releases.

Early releases and line-up changes

After forming, Valerian Swing records an EP of four tracks at Fear Studio in Ravenna. The group gains attention through strong reviews and live performances, and plays across northern Italy alongside established underground Italian bands. A management deal follows with Alkemist-Fanatix Europe, run by Carlo Bellotti of gf93, and this also helps secure an arrangement with RisingWorks for the production of the group’s first full-length release.

When the two vocalists are unavailable, the group returns to a trio while writing new material. Raffaele Marchetti then joins and works with the band over a three-month period, shaping the songs for Draining Planning for Ears Reflectors, described in the group’s history as its second release. The recording process also involves Frank Andiver at Zenith Studio in Lucca.

Musical style

Valerian Swing’s music combines a wide range of influences, including free jazz, mathcore, indie, prog, pop and hardcore. The group is also described as avoiding standard 4/4 rhythms, using unusual rhythmic ideas, and pairing highly structured instrumentation with an intense, psychedelic guitar sound and contrasting vocal lines.