It’s hard to imagine anyone being as scandalized by rock’n’roll as, say, “Montero.” But with Hamilton, Ontario’s The Redhill Valleys new single “Finish Line,” you’ll find yourself gyrating your hips along to the thundering bassline. The cleverly placed guitar bends echo race cars ripping laps around the track, while Chelsea McWilliams’ tongue-in-cheek lyrics and powerful vocals provide a compelling anchor, give the song a fully-realized sound. It’s one thing to find a clever central image in songwriting, but it’s another to build an entire sound around it — that’s a skill the Redhill Valleys demonstrate here. The Redhill Valleys are using this one to rev up their engines ahead of the release of their sophomore album this fall.
Comprised of Tim Allard (guitar and vocals), Chelsea McWilliams (bass and vocals), Danielle Beaudin (guitar and vocals) and Matt Soliveri (drums and vocals), The Redhill Valleys offer a one-of-a-kind sound that encompasses the multiple layers that make up Americana. Each of their songs reflects the personality and style of each band member, as well as their range of musical influences, from Neil Young, The Band and Tom Petty, to Lucinda Williams and Chris Stapleton, just to name a few.
The Redhill Valleys’ harder rocking side is showcased on “Finish Line,” along with Chelsea’s soulful vocals and clever lyrics. She says, “The song really grew from the lyric ‘Get me to the finish line.’ It felt very rock and roll in the sense that the female perspective, when it comes to desire and sexuality, is oftentimes a very taboo topic to write about. This song is our own anthem that uplifts female sexuality in a powerful, playful and confident way. It’s really about a woman taking charge of her own desire and attraction, and isn’t afraid to call the shots and demand satisfaction.”
That attitude is also on full display in the video for “Finish Line,” shot at the famous Flamboro Speedway near Hamilton and showing Chelsea putting the pedal to the metal.
“Finish Line” is available now on all digital platforms
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