The Valentines

William Michael Smith May 17, 2007 4:00AM

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It's a sad equation in indie rock that “rowdy” often equals “not very good.” But this is the beauty of Dallas's The Valentines: They are rowdy and good. The harmonies are thick and sweet, but the musical atmosphere is as rowdy as a keg party in the county jail. Drummer Austen Hooks has a penchant for hard, on-the-beat playing that anchors the raw, Petty-esque jangle of twin guitars. The Valentines never wimp into sugary excess, and it's fair to say that like most bands that really rock, these guys don't take this stuff too seriously. In fact, songs like “Waiting for You” are as chunky and freewheeling as a cement truck with no brakes and come complete with a big wide grin and knowing wink that says “Hang on and join the party.” With an LP mixed and ready and a Dallas Observer Best New Band of 2006 nod, it seems these guys are ready to rock.