B-Side Guys

Greg Merrell, the one-man army behind Clash Valian, isn’t here to coddle your fragile ego. In “Knitting with Cat Hair,” he’s taking aim at his own psyche and pulling the trigger, splattering the walls with a visceral portrait of self-loathing and doubt.

From the jump, Merrell’s not mincing words. “When you’re wandering you’re on your own / The day is done / And I’m feeling like I’m not on board” – it’s a bleak scene, and he’s not interested in sugarcoating it. This isn’t a feel-good anthem; it’s a gritty, unfiltered dive into the depths of personal hell.

And just when you think he might throw himself a bone, Merrell doubles down on the self-flagellation. “You’re a fake fraud I don’t know what to say / You’re a bore a bore” – ouch. This isn’t just introspection; it’s a full-on roast of the self, served up with a side of raw honesty and a dash of “fuck you” attitude.

But here’s the thing – while Merrell’s busy eviscerating himself lyrically, he’s also weaving a sonic tapestry that’s as eclectic as it is engrossing. With a staggering 20+ instruments set to make an appearance on the upcoming “Degrees of Freedom,” “Knitting with Cat Hair” is just a taste of the auditory feast that Clash Valian’s cooking up. From edgy rock to spacey pop to laid-back lounge, Merrell’s genre-bending approach is as unpredictable as it is intriguing.

So, is “Knitting with Cat Hair” a comfortable listen? Hell no. But that’s precisely the point. In a world where so much music feels sanitized and safe, Clash Valian’s serving up a raw, uncut dose of realness. It’s not pretty, but it’s honest – and in an industry that often prioritizes polish over substance, that’s a rare and valuable thing.