If one likes clearly delivered vocals, jam sessions, pop/rock baby roller coaster ride licks, and a sarcastic yet sweet delivery to soulful pulse driven rhythmic tunes, then The Solace Bros. second album release Bad Will might just satisfy.
Singer and guitarist John Polle keeps an even key up, but perhaps his guitar work is more engaging to the ears. Daniel Naiman, who handles keyboards/organs backs him up on vocals, while Justin Donaldson is on real-deal drums. This trio’s compositions are more centered on musical than vocal delivery, with all tracks carrying a soulful yet upbeat tinge.
Of the eight tracks on Bad Will (which range stylistically and lengthwise), four stand out from the rest for their noteworthiness. The opening rally-call “Shame On You” is a layered rock/pop march forward for the seeker of acceptance and change, ending with a climax of cymbal and guitar laden fury.
“Certain Times,” aside from somewhat dry vocal delivery, sarcastically presents an organ heavy Beatles-esque tune that bleeds with a steady, weeping and droning guitar, recounting perhaps some bitter old memories. Yet, even with the sad overall tone this song inspires, the characteristically under-layered optimism of the group’s workings peeks through as well.
“It Might Be Real” is a softly pulsing and then intensifying pop tune that resembles the likes of Camper Van Beethoven or Elvis Costello with its lightly jumping, then faster trotting beat, and more musically mature and experimental sounds. This song would most likely get commercial type airplay, if it weren’t for the fact that it is 16:31 minutes total in length. This length is appropriate though, as the song seeks to throw the listener into the realm of fantasy and escape through slowly emerging and changing strategy. With the added cello and contrabasses donated by a few additional musicians, this is nicely accomplished.
On the last note regarding songs (pun intended), “It’s the Right Thing To Do” ends the album on a hyper and upbeat bang. Also the shortest song, “It’s the Right Thing To Do” seems as if the band had Devo play synth, and Meatloaf to plead vocals just for fun. The only lyric is the title itself regurgitated over and over adamantly, with goofy 80s-style “pingy” sounding keys going along for the ride of bumpy cheese.
Final words: This is not a dud release per se. The Solace Bros. Bad Will CD is noteworthy enough for its energetic and somewhat exploratory jam session pop-rock sound of organ, guitar, drums and to a certain extent vocals, all which help showcase a distinctly throwback feel and edge to their music.
Just one complaint: Does the music world need yet another cover of Frankie & Johnny?