Solarcade - Songs For the Gathering

By Kate Xian

One of my favourite parts of my job is getting the opportunity to continually discover new music – music that is near impossible to find at HMV, my local pub, or even sample on amazon.com. Regardless of where my tastes lie, there is an absolute joy I receive from listening to a pile of “blank discs.” Before even reading press materials, or checking out artist websites, I pop in a disc and listen with a fresh and naked ear.

The six track EP Songs for the Gathering by LA/LV based duo Solarcade happens to be one of those discs that pleasantly surprised me. Vocalist Paul Van and guitarist Tony Pomillia have had an eight-year musical partnership but it wasn’t until 2007 that lead singer Brandon Flowers of The Killers handpicked the duo to open for select dates on their arena tour. To get that kind of attention from an internationally successful band must say a lot about your music.

Though categorized as “pop-rock,” Solarcade, in fact, has a more dance-rock sound to their music. I know you’re probably picturing a Euro-trash house sound hideously blended with solid electric guitar riffs (I know I am), but thankfully it is far from the truth. Undeniably catchy with rolling melodies, Songs for the Gathering is an optimistic and hopeful record with tinges of sci-fiish tones and elements.

So not surprisingly Van lended his vocals for the season two theme song for the sci-fi television show Jeremiah (the underrated Luke Perry Showtime program that became one of those great shows that no one was watching). Van’s vocals, often compared to Peter Gabriel, are incredibly rich, full of depth, and though raspy, oddly soothing.

Very similar in tone and texture to Remy Zero, and a more pop version of O.A.R., Solarcade has one of those sounds that could easily make them one of those bands that become destined for soundtrack work for eternity. Which in all honesty would be quite tragic. Tracks like Rise are upbeat, catchy and optimistic, with a very Californian feel to it. A sound that I think is perfect with the changing weather, longer days and radio play.

My Weather of Love is one of the strongest tracks on the EP. Less repetitive than Rise, it has more depth both lyrically and vocally than the former. And though there is no denying its radio potential or “catchiness,” there is something just slightly disappointing about the EP. Not to say it’s “bad” by any means, not even close. I even struggle to find the words as I find myself engrossed in all the tracks and no doubt Solarcade is a band that deserves much more recognition than they receive. Their popularity with Flowers is proof of that, but instead, my disappointment stems from the EP’s slight lack of variety. Oceans to Oceans is similar to My Weather of Love, and When She Comes slightly reworked and making its second appearance on Songs for the Gathering (originally appearing on the 2005 album Aliens and Angels), much like a slower tempo version of the two.

The fifty-seven second techy Artshow serves as a bridge between tracks and breaks up the familiar melody. But as it slips back into the next tracks, like A Warning Sign From a Half Moon that familiar melody comes back to you like a dearly missed friend.

Though handpicked by The Killers, one of the most successful and innovative rock bands of today, Solarcade is much different in style and filled with potential for international success. Their catchy riffs, flowing melodies and with vocals that suck you in, Songs for the Gathering is just a taste of what these boys could do.

Release Date: February 24, 2009