Song of the Day: “Valiant Heart” by House Of All
With the release of Inklings, House of All has finally transitioned from a high-concept curiosity into a functioning, albeit eccentric, musical machine. For a group composed entirely of former members of The Fall, the initial fear was that they would simply be a high-end tribute act to their own trauma. Yet, several albums into this “post-Fall” experiment, Inklings suggests that instead of running away from the ghost of Mark E. Smith, they’ve simply invited him to sit in the corner while they get on with the business of being a remarkably tight rock band. Ultimately, Inklings proves that House of All isn’t just a harbor for survivors; it’s a destination.
The evolution here is subtle but vital. While their self-titled debut felt like a frantic exorcism and the intervening releases played with improvised murk, Inklings is the sound of a band that actually sat down and rehearsed. There is a diamond-hard consistency to the grooves provided by the Hanley-Hanley-Wolstencroft rhythm section—a three-headed drumming and bass beast that could probably keep time for a tectonic plate shift. Martin Bramah, meanwhile, remains the quintessential cryptic captain, steering the ship with Shakespearean nods and a vocal delivery that sits somewhere between a street preacher and a very disappointed history professor.
The standout moment, and arguably the best song on the record, is “Valiant Heart.” While the band is famous for their jagged, stop-start aggression, this track reveals a surprising, almost melancholic depth that they’ve previously kept under lock and key. It’s the emotional center of the album, anchored by a guitar line that feels expansive rather than claustrophobic. It justifies its place as the “best” because it proves the band can do more than just rattle the cages of the avant-garde; they can actually craft a melody that lingers long after the feedback has faded. It’s the sound of the band allowing a crack of light into their basement workshop.
The Song
Spotify:
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/song/valiant-heart/1882046503
The Album
Spotify:
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/inklings/1882046498
The Band
https://houseofall.bandcamp.com/music
Be sure to check out the Audio Toxicity 2026 Bad Music Detox Protocol (AKA a playlist of songs covered so far…)