Solstice - Light Up (Translucent Orange 2LP)Richard Swan says: Back in late 2020, Solstice joyously re-emerged onto the music scene with their most uplifting album Sia, just at the time the World needed a tonic from the ravages and lockdowns of Covid-19. When I reviewed that album, there were huge difficulties for bands to take their music beyond the shores of UK due to Brexit; I’m not sure that much, if anything, has changed there, but some bands have thankfully found a way, including Solstice. So 2020 was a great year generally for music production from home studios and the momentum seems to have continued apace. Two years in the making as the band cements themselves together into a cohesive whole, in particular allowing the vocalist Jess Holland to thrive, this new album is pure joy which, in the words of Jerry Ewing (Editor of Prog Magazine) “evokes the spirit of the band I first saw in the 80s, but with very much a here and now production sound and brings with it the wisdom of those ensuing years”. Jerry is bang on the money….. As if that wasn’t enough, the illustrious Greg Spawton (Big Big Train) also gives this album a ringing endorsement, judging it to potentially be the band’s “best album yet”. Who is going to argue with that? Six tracks, all a juicy length with one trademark epic; with funk, folk, prog, guest performers, solos galore, and a physical release package that their fans will truly love. The artwork complements Sia, also created by Shaun Blake, and includes a heart-rending poem entitled ‘Where The Heart Is’ from long-standing Solstice collaborator Oz Hardwick. That poem alone warrants your purchase of the physical release. Solstice have pulled another bunny out of the bag. It’s chock full of the distinctive characteristics that we have come accustomed to with high energy, emotion, comfort, supreme craftmanship, joy and abandonment. Every musician gets the chance to shine, more so than on any of the previous albums. My recent discussions with Andy indicate that this album is potentially the second in a trilogy. So, imagine my delight to know that the journey continues…… Check them out:Solstice - Light Up - Grand Chapel StudiosSolstice - Bulbul Tarang - Grand Chapel StudiosTracks: Light Up Wongle No.9 Mount Ephrain Run Home Bulbul Tarang Format: Translucent Orange 2LPArtist: SolsticeRelease Date: November 2022
