Montreal band Solids’ latest record, ‘Else’ is an exploration of lo-fi grunge and moody, low, guitar rock. Immediately, the snare sound pops out of the mix driving the record throughout, creating a feeling of being in a room with the band. This feeling is reflective of the record as a whole, which feels like a lo-fi celebration of underground music and fuzzy old speaker systems. This is accentuated through the distortion added to the vocals as well as the tone of the guitars which crackle and fuzz.
These heavy and low fuzzed up guitars swirl around each song, accentuating the depressing, solemn mood which fills each note. The record is reminiscent of recent releases by Pity Sex and Elvis Depressedly, purposefully leaving the listener feeling downtrodden. The vocals, which at times hook onto poppy harmonies and melodies, are distorted and low in the mix.
The record boasts pumping guitar riffs, reminiscent of Nirvana, and intricate bass guitar melodies which provide a lot of the interest and hooks in each song, creating an overwhelming sense of lo-fi attitudes with low instruments and moods. It shows aspects of a band exploring different elements of pop and grunge, whilst also attempting to carve a niche with a sound that is consistent throughout. The record plays with a few atmospheric instrumental sections, which are almost trance like in their repetition. These extend each song into a grungey but almost calming and very listenable record.
ALEX HALL