A new EP release from Alcedo Days brings out a bright and pop-coated indie and classic rock-influenced soundscape that all comes together to create an atmosphere that you end up falling right into because it's got personality attached to it and you in turn, end up getting pretty attached to that as well.
The Solstice of the Soul release is actually quite vast and involves elements of progressive rock along with post-punk at times and this is mostly due to the guitar riffs and tones that come through as the record unfolds.
There's a certain vibe that comes along with this EP and it's one that has a little bit of warmth to it but also some edginess to go along with that so it's a great blend of color and rock that ends up delivering something unique and memorable.
I'm definitely digging the guitar tones throughout this record because they changed slightly from song to song but you can hear the glue that holds everything together and at times this EP although it's about four tracks long, seems like a concept record of sorts.
It feels like these tracks interconnect in different ways.
There are more than a few surprises around the corners as the record bursts out with epic intensities vocally to the point where there are choir-esque elements, and bursts of harder and heavier indie rock styles but it all ends up making perfect sense in the end.
This EP spans about 17 minutes long but throughout that 17 minutes, you're getting a lot to soak in. There are layers to be peeled back and the whole thing is put together with enormous textures that pack a punch when they want to but also come through subtly at other times.
There are a few tracks here that feel like they have the energy of a live performance. It feels almost like these were recorded live on the floor to an extent and everyone involved was feeding off of each other's energies the entire time.
There's some reverb effect on the vocals sometimes and that adds to that live performance feel as well but it's the energy that ends up being so electric.
You can really feel that classic rock influence in just about all the tracks and I feel like that's the strongest influence throughout the record that stays consistent.
The vocals do an amazing job of keeping up with the intensity and the energy levels of the music so in the end, the band and the vocals both complement each other really well and each one of those helps push the envelope.
Listening to the record certainly makes you want to go see them perform live because for me, if you can capture that kind of vivaciousness, then seeing them live must be awesome.
You can also tell there's a lot of honesty lyrically so a bunch of these songs definitely come from real places which gives the record all the more personality which I mentioned a bit earlier.
This is something I feel is missing in a lot of different kinds of music, not just rock, but everything. There's not a lot of personality or character I should say left in some of these releases but this one is an exception.
This release is not only done well, with great layers, great textures, and great arrangements, but it also gives that character and personality that sticks throughout the whole thing.
There is as much color as there is edginess on this release and that balance is damn near perfect.
The biggest attribute of this record for me is the guitar work. The guitar work across the board is outstanding with great effects, a little bit of experimental and psychedelia involved, and that to me adds to that classic rock vibe even more.
This is a very guitar driven release and I feel like it speaks volumes for the band because it really takes this almost vintage style of songwriting and brings it into a kind of edgier and more current feel so it works on all levels.
Definitely take a deep dive into this EP as soon as you can and try and listen to it nice and loud because it just comes through better that way.
As a matter of fact, you should listen to it with headphones on because that's one of the best ways to soak it all in.
I would also suggest listening to the full ep from beginning to end as opposed to just one or two tracks.
Dive into this one and see how it affects you.
