If anyone knows about the pride and pitfalls of the power punk sound and fury that is emo, it's Shane Henderson, the lyricist and singer for Valencia.
"In all honesty, the idea of emo has gotten out of control," Henderson says.
"I write what matters the most to me, and if it happens to get powerfully emotional, then so be it. Did anyone call Bruce Springsteen 'emo' when he poured his heart and soul into what he thought was right?"
It's a good point that Henderson makes - in conversation and on Valencia's new CD,
We All Need a Reason to Believe.
For Henderson - like his band mates, a proud Philadelphian - music is his release, a way of getting things off his chest: "It is my vice, my way around the everyday tough times we all go through." It's a nice sentiment - that Henderson crafts his lyrics to be a balm without ever sounding overly sweet.
Known for its thrashing guitars and cathartic lyrical turns, Valencia has come up with an even rawer sound for
Reason to Believe
.
And though no one would confuse Henderson with Springsteen, the new Valencia tunes "Safe to Say" and "Where Did You Go?" are positive and healing - a lifeline for when the going gets rough.
"I know that music helped me," Henderson says. "I just wanted to return the favor."