SIA

The exciting return of cult act Solstice in 2020 comes with some excellent new music and a rejuvenated lineup - alongside band leader Andy Glass there are long-time keyboard player Steven McDaniel, Jenny Newman playing the violin, drummer Pete Hamsley, bass player Robin Phillips, and the jewel in the crown of this iteration of the band - new lead singer Jess Holland. 'Sia' is the sixth studio album from the band and perhaps serves as a return to Solstice's original sound - the album offers a very beautiful range of songs, from acoustic ballads to electrifying and passionate folk anthems, full of memorable moments, excellent singing and an overall masterful performance from each band member; the vibrancy of 'Sia' is what makes it a very pleasant, evocative and embracing listen and each song is so heartfelt, melodic and elegant, fitting perfectly the warm and chanty voice of Holland, a quality shared by all Solstice singers.

The entire album is laid-back and intricate, offering sweeping guitars as well as soft and dazzling violins, topped by the splendid vocals. The chant-like quality of the band's music is abundant here, together with a very welcome and colorful rocky feel, perfectly balanced with the folkier leanings of the music. Opening up the album is the 12-minute track 'Shout', a finely written composition that sees a calming middle section framed by the upbeat opening and its coda by the end of the song. This might as well be the best representation of what Solstice stand for in 2020. 'Love Is Coming' is just beautiful, definitely something that could have come from 'Silent Dance' from 1984. 'Stand Up' sounds so good and the production on this track is on par with that of the greats of contemporary progressive rock, while 'Seven Dreams' is a mellow composition that once again offers a tasteful guitar solo, followed by the great 'A New Day' and 'Cheyenne 2020', a re-recording of the penultimate track from 'Silent Dance' with the vocals of Jess Holland. 'Sia' is everything you might need from Solstice, this is a brilliant work that exudes creativity and love, placing Andy Glass and his bandmates among the most exciting prog bands of the decade.

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