“Clash Valian's latest musical project, "Warplane," takes listeners on a thrilling journey, capturing the adrenaline, peril, and introspection of a fighter pilot's experience. The track is a poignant addition to Valian's upcoming album, "Degrees of Freedom," which promises to explore themes ranging from personal struggles to societal commentary.  "Warplane" offers a catchy tune that immerses audiences in the existential turmoil of combat. Through evocative lyrics and stirring instrumentation, Valian paints a vivid picture of the mental and emotional toll borne by those who soar amidst the clouds of battle. Each note is a testament to the weight of responsibility, the longing for peace, and the quest for purpose in the face of chaos.” - Lyrical Odyssey 

“Clash Valian aka singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer Greg Merrell and the heavy alt rock emotional dystopia of "Knitting with Cat Hair" is such effective bloodletting, oh yeah.” - American Pancake

“Oh there is desire and propulsion in liberal quantities on ‘Warplane’ so we were taken on a ride that amounts to something a whole lot different from the usual fare. And that extends to a singer, Greg Merrell, who has a late club quality about his vocal wanderings but which is still in keeping with the magic craziness that bubbles just below the surface on Clash Valian. There were hints of the Strokes but these were slight because ‘Warplane’ is making raids very much of its making and in a homogeneous alternative scene it is thrilling to hear something different for a change. A rather brilliant kind of proposition.” - MP3hugger

 “In the world of modern music, where the cacophony of the conventional often drowns out the whispers of the extraordinary, Clash Valian’s “Degrees of Freedom” emerges as a compelling counter-narrative. Spearheaded by the visionary Greg Merrell, this album is an exploration of soundscapes that traverse the spectrum of human emotion, offering a refuge for the soul amidst the turbulence of contemporary life.

“Degrees of Freedom” is an audacious blend of genres, refusing to be constrained by the boundaries that so often compartmentalize music into neatly labeled boxes. From the raw energy of edgy rock to the serene echoes of ethereal pop, and the comforting rhythms of laid-back lounge music, Merrell crafts a soundscape that is both variegated and harmonious. The use of over 20 different instruments across the album’s 21 tracks is not merely a display of musical versatility but a testament to Merrell’s commitment to creating a rich and immersive sonic experience.” - B-Side Guys

”The ambition, effort, heart and soul that has gone into Clash Valian’s Degrees of Freedom is frankly breath-taking. I’ve heard very little else like it, and I’m so glad to have discovered Greg’s music. The scale of his album, as well as its intelligence and emotional articulation, puts it a cut above the pack.” - York Calling

“No single genre would be sufficient to describe this artist…Theme-wise it’s almost like a library in terms of diversity.” - LT1KF