Solaris are a tight little indie group formed in Kyoto around 2004. Before one can even really begin to talk about their sound, the rather unique vocal sound of front man Hanotomo needs to be addressed. While he's not harsh or unprofessional in any way, he's got the voice of geekdom personified. Not just the usual higher range that many male Japanese singers have, but truly whiny, nasal and squeaky. Again, it's not offensive in any way, and after you've listened through a few songs it becomes almost normal. Yet it is an issue that will keep many first time listeners distracted from the music.
Speaking of which, Solaris is a very capable and solid indie rock outfit. Their songs are tight and to-the-point, very melodic yet encased in a slightly jagged shell. Their production is like much of the current crop of post-punk bands, simple and clean guitar/bass/drums, full of quick delays and booming reverb. They're a bit like Base Ball Bear crossed with Art School and injected with the spirit of Yogurt Pooh. There songs are also very focused, wavering little in their generally upbeat, danceable bounce.
Like other vocally eccentric bands (Ling Tosite Sigure instantly comes to mind) Solaris certainly uses the uniqueness to their advantage, but they most certainly do not use it as a crutch. While they have only released a single full-length album over their four year span, Youth of Distortion is one great, catchy song after another. The band has released a number of demos and singles, so it will be interesting to see if they can keep the quality (and Hanotomo's voice!) as high from here on out.
Tobenai Tsubasa
Official Site
MySpace
Members:
Hanotomo - Vocal, Guitar
Kesuke Jinrai - Bass
Numata Yuki - Guitar
Yuko - Drums
Albums:
Youth of Distortion - 2007
Giga Andromeda
Love Me Tender
Dreaming Dreaming
Tobenai Tsubasa (Live)
1 comment:
glad you like them and have written about them. hope this will make them a little more popular))
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