"A must-have example of bedroom songwriting.... Valdes returns, focused, toned down and eyes like Stallone in Rocky III.... People always wondered what it was Ringo brought to the Beatles, and with Grant Valdes they get a partial answer: the drugs would’ve worn off, the party would’ve wrapped and the world would’ve suddenly seemed crueler, though crueler with competent songwriting." Cokemachineglow
"Urban pastorales for the modern connoisseur.... Beautifully delicate and dark, chambered and reclusive.... There's an upside to the creation of art for art's sake, and it's that such works endure and become influential." Folk & Acoustic Music Exchange
"An impressive ability to invent lyrics that dramatically communicate his exploration of the purpose of life, death, and love in a creative and unique way... His experimentation in composing for violin and cello really makes the album a step above the rest." Independent Clauses
"Elegant shifting currents of music with smart changes of direction... Valdes obviously has talent." americanaUK
"9/10. Achingly emotive slices of acoustic lead beauty, full of feeling and mood and thought – songs that deserve to be boomed out on the radio. It is admirable that there are still some people willing to sacrifice popularity and success by being real, genuine and most importantly – possessing a modicum of talent... Who knows? He could save music." Subba Cultcha
Overwhelm
“Exploding raw talent… These guys are so close to their epiphany that it hurts.... The quartet is nihilistic, and that's a damn good thing—someone's finally admitting to the mindlessness of it all.” Folk & Acoustic Music Exchange
“The Empty Mirror's garage-rock opera tells us what our country is by looking at its hypothetical destruction…a scene of destruction and disorder a la Breughel… invokes an intense sense of confusion by acknowledging elements of contemporary American life--democracy, desire, television, the economy, war--without disrupting the play of images with an unequivocal judgment.”Indie Music Stop
“Exactly what the title suggests . . . overwhelming… once the electric guitars kick in, there is nothing but beautiful noise. A band to keep an eye on in the future.” Skope
“The band will go anywhere it damn well pleases. The fuzzy guitars will remind listeners of Sonic Youth, The Replacements, and Pere Ubu while the anguished vocals will imprint themselves indelibly in the minds and hearts of anyone that is lucky enough to listen in…. Figure out a way to see what just may be the next big thing in rock music. Make it a point to pick up Overwhelm if you have any desire of hearing one of the best albums released in the last few years…. The Empty Mirror create a blueprint for future rock bands of all stripes to follow.” NeuFutur Magazine
Abstracted Catholic
“The compositions are absorbing, contrasting despair with ferocious force… Valdes claims to want to move in the direction of pure instrumentalism.” Folk & Acoustic Music Exchange
"A five song collection that defies genre and goes for the gut. Musicianship rules the day with Ante Ruich’s assault on the bass, Bill Kim's frenzied drumming and Valdes’ innate ability to let feelings of isolation and tension ring out of just six strings as his voice – at times a gentle Syd Barrett-like purr and at others a feral scream – careens above the madness." Rockwired
"If you’re a fan of Billy Corgan, you are allowed to foam at the mouth a bit." Independent Clauses
“Despite the fact that there is a side to 'Stainglass' that could catapult them up to heavy rotation on rock stations, there resides a set of arrangements and intricacies in the track that will keep people listening... The band lays it all on the line for 'God of Hunger' and succeeds on all counts; aside from ending the album perfectly, The Empty Mirror has made it virtually impossible for anyone that has picked up this album to forgo the next.” NeuFutur Magazine
“Not giving a shit what people think is the attitude here and I love it!” Skope
Travelogue: Paris
"I was listening lately your songs and I defenetly love more the abstract catholic than all the others. why, why, why?? it's obvious!! I like your voice when has strong accents, not crying baby ))) sooo, please, go back to a rock band!!" une femme
Interviews
Brian Lush of Rockwired interviews Grant.
