4AD have been pioneers in discovering unique musical talents for almost 4 decades at this stage. This British independent record label introduced me to Cocteau Twins and Gus Gus, two of my most beloved bands. Joining the extraordinary palette of their currently signed artists, the likes of Bon Iver, Ariel Pink, Grimes and Gang Gang Dance, is the mysterious U.S. Girls. Oscillating between bizarre pop and wonky dub with a solid dose of sweet cacophony and punk aesthetics, “Damn That Valley” easily finds its spot among this year’s most uncompromising and fascinating singles to date. You’ll either adore it immensely or it’ll annoy the hell out of you at first listen. Fashionably off-note and wondrously intense.
