San Demas - The Valley

Kayleigh
Aug 5
3 min read

EP Name: The Valley Artist: San Demas Released: July 2025 Rating: 8/10

Tracklist

You & I
All In On Me
Borrowed Time
Wait and Wonder

Alternative rock/melodic metal outfit San Demas have released their boldest work to date with new EP 'The Valley'. Fresh from two unforgettable sets at 2000 Trees Festival San Demas release their third EP 'The Valley'. This turning point in the bands evolution sees the four tracks capture emotional highs and lows from throughout the groups journey so far. With the original formation of San Demas taking place in 2021, the band have built a reputation for their massive riffs, anthemic choruses and emotionally charged breakdowns. Inspired by the likes of Paramore, Saosin, The Used and Plini, San Demas's sound has earned them national attention - including spins on BBC Radio 1 with Alyx Holcombe, BBC Introducing with Alex West and coverage in PowerPlay Magazine. New EP 'The Valley' which was produced by Justin Hill (Architects, Bury Tomorrow, SikTh) takes elements from all across San Demas's music through their years. Featuring songs like first ever single 'Wait and Wonder' to brand new track 'Borrowed Time'.

"It reflects our identity - a collaborative and constantly evolving group, united by a shared vision but defined by distinct voices." - (San Demas on 'The Valley')

Opening the EP is second single and quick fan favourite 'You & I'. I feel like this song is a perfect introduction into San Demas, the pop overtones delivering a light melody on top of alt metalcore edged guitars. The bright energy of the chorus is bound to get stuck in your head, this is a song that feels like warm sunshine and too be honest that's the overall feeling I get when listening to San Demas. 'All In On Me' which features Shoot to Kill is a great look into another side of San Demas's sound. The vibrant pop sounds of the guitars have a little alt edge, while vocally it feels more like a big pop song. I get the vibe of artists like Taylor Acorn and the huge song even gives a little surprise with the Shoot to Kill feature. The way it descends into the rough vocal of the Shoot to Kill frontman gives a complete new feeling to the track and it's really interestingly done, I enjoyed it. Next up on 'The Valley' is a track I would consider the most interesting, 'Borrowed Time', with a heavier bass tone, sweepy guitars, and drums that keep it steady, instrumentally it definitely feels a little more experimental. The slightly darker elements of San Demas's sound that are felt here are heightened by the more haunting vocal melody. Honestly this band vocally are incredible throughout every song but in 'Borrowed Time' there's a real power commanding over the instrumentals. 'Wait and Wonder' was the first single released by San Demas back in 2021 but now with a fresh reboot and new singer, it has a new life on 'The Valley'. This is a stunning track that leans into an anthemic alt rock sound. It's the most emotionally provoking track on the EP and it's vibrant yet self-reflective lyrics alongside the large guitars that flow from heavy to almost pop like melodies make this in my opinion San Demas's biggest song on 'The Valley'. San Demas have released an EP that sums up their new evolution. Taking all elements of their career to create something that says "this is who we are now", while each song is infectious in it's own right making for an EP that is easily their boldest and most impressive yet. San Demas are a band that if you've not got an ear on, you should have. They embody all the fun and bright parts of the alt-rock genre but also keep their tracks deeply emotional lyrically. The UK four-piece have definitely gained a place on my playlists.