Ville Valo
Neon Noir
Heartagram Records
Just because this is a solo release, Valo’s debut in fact, doesn’t mean that he’s gone all off piste with his sound. In fact this is pretty much the album most HIM fans would have wanted to hear. Valo played all the instruments himself on Neon Noir, with the recording taking place during lockdown. You can almost sense his own delicate hand on each note played. The result is firmly grounded in his previous work but has a much more personal feel to it. Of course it’s dark and moody but those trademark vocals lift everything making it less shadowy and more textured. With Gothic culture entering a more high profile status at the moment (Yes Wednesday we’re looking at you) the timing of this release couldn’t be better. The world has never been more ready for the return of Ville Valo. And the Finnish maestro has delivered.
Review by Gary Trueman