Introduction
One of the best parts of owning a record shop is discovering music that reminds you why you became a fan in the first place. Sometimes it's a forgotten album from a favorite artist, and other times it's a local band making music that deserves a wider audience. Richmond-based Vallory Falls is one of those bands worth getting to know.
Blending pop punk, emo, and alternative rock, Vallory Falls delivers energetic guitars, memorable melodies, and lyrics that aren't afraid to get personal. Their music carries the spirit of early-2000s pop punk while exploring the more complicated realities of growing older. It's familiar enough to bring back memories but fresh enough to stand on its own.
For this installment of our Vermont Artist Spotlight, we're taking a closer look at a band helping keep Vermont's independent rock scene loud, creative, and interesting.
From Massachusetts to the Green Mountains
Vallory Falls formed in Danvers, Massachusetts, in 2021 before establishing its home in Richmond, Vermont, later that year. Like many independent bands, the group experienced a few lineup changes before finding the combination of musicians that defines its sound today.
The current lineup features Tristan Gilliss on lead vocals and guitar, Riley Burridge on drums, Dan Lecours on bass and backing vocals, and Meghan Burke on guitar.
Together, they've developed a sound built around strong melodies, driving rhythms, and the kind of chemistry that comes from musicians finding their footing together. Their music draws on familiar pop-punk influences without feeling like a tribute to the past.
A Sound Built on Energy and Honest Songwriting
What stands out about Vallory Falls is the way the band balances upbeat, guitar-driven music with lyrics that reflect real-life experiences. Relationships, personal struggles, regret, and change are recurring themes, giving their songs a perspective that feels a little more grown-up than the pop-punk many of us remember from our younger years.
That combination is part of the genre's lasting appeal. A great pop-punk song can be loud, catchy, and fun while still having something meaningful to say. Vallory Falls understands that balance, and it's one of the reasons their music connects.
For listeners who enjoy melodic punk rock with a little emotional weight behind it, there's plenty here to appreciate.
To Save You: The Debut Album
In June 2024, Vallory Falls released their debut studio album, To Save You. Recorded in Gillis' basement studio, the album captures the band's energetic performances and thoughtful songwriting.
Songs such as "Rosie," "Clown," and the title track showcase the group's ability to combine memorable guitar hooks with lyrics that explore relationships and personal challenges. The album has the excitement you'd expect from a pop-punk release, but there's enough variety and substance to keep listeners interested beyond the first spin.
The record also received positive attention from Vermont's Seven Days, which reviewed the album in July 2024 and highlighted the band's more mature approach to the genre.
For anyone discovering Vallory Falls for the first time, To Save You is an excellent place to start.
Listen to To Save You: Vallory Falls on Bandcamp
Keeping Vermont's Music Scene Loud
Since releasing their debut album, Vallory Falls has continued building its catalog with music including Porch Lights and Field Guides, "Citronella," and "Valley." The band has also performed throughout Vermont and the greater New England region, including an appearance at Montréal's Pouzza Fest in 2025 and regional touring in 2026.
As a record shop owner and lifelong music fan, this is the part of the story I especially appreciate. Independent bands put a tremendous amount of time and effort into writing, recording, rehearsing, and getting their music in front of audiences. They're playing local venues, sharing the stage with other musicians, and helping create the music community we all enjoy.
Vermont may be a small state, but its music scene has plenty of variety. Bands like Vallory Falls remind us that there's always something new worth discovering beyond the artists and albums we already know.
Discover Vallory Falls
If you enjoy pop punk, emo, or energetic alternative rock, Vallory Falls deserves a spot on your listening list. Start with To Save You, explore their newer releases, and catch a live performance when you have the opportunity.
You can discover their music and follow the band through these official channels:
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Bandcamp: valloryfalls.bandcamp.com
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Official Website: valloryfalls.com
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Instagram: @valloryfalls
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Facebook: Vallory Falls
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Live Session: Vallory Falls — Cart Sessions
At Maple City Music, we believe discovering a talented local band can be just as rewarding as finding a long-sought record for your collection. Supporting independent musicians helps keep Vermont's music community growing, and we're pleased to introduce Vallory Falls to readers of The Maple City Journal.
Whether you're searching for a rare first pressing, an audiophile favorite, or the next great addition to your collection, new records arrive at Maple City Music regularly.
Browse our latest arrivals and discover records that deserve a place on your turntable.
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Maple City Music Closing Statement
At Maple City Music, we are proud to help collectors discover, preserve, and enjoy the records that matter most.