Review
Sounds like Jack Johnson? He gets that a lot. But it would be a shame to write Chris Velan off as just another beachbum copycat. Rather, Solidago reveals whipsmart songcraft and no-bullsh*t guitar rockers, neatly juxtaposed amidst easy-going ditties. From the Petty/Wallflowers-flecked Oldest Trick to the more languid Out of Range (think Obvious Child, Paul Simon), Solidago harkens back to that Synchronicity-esque art of the album, journeying from a volume-up, frontloaded A-side which eventually drifts off into a delightfully lazy Sunday morning B-side. So dont let Solidago s jangly, chill-lax pop disguise fool you. It s the combination of Velan s no-slouch guitar, wizened lyrics, downright bemusing hooks (the kind that sneak up on you long after you ve stopped listening), and political/romantic moxie that ll have you thinking, Hell yes, I too am a Hardway Learner. --Blurt! Magazine
Product Description
Chris Velans current album (his third), Solidago, is a stunning culmination of influences. From the folk-rock of his youth to the reggae of his college days to the echo of his time in Africa, Chris has created a unique collection of songs that invite listen after listen. Not often will you find a record that juxtaposes the horror of sectarian strife with the hopeful musings of errant love. Solidago achieves this seemingly without effort. The jarring lyrical content of Wobbly Bones is brilliantly offset by the lilting dirge that draws the listener to the stark reality of man s cruelty to man without causing them to look away. Few songwriters working today would be able to make the point without contrivance. Followed by Oldest Trick , a sly skewering of our technological world, Solidago reveals itself to have a gravitas missing from most contemporary efforts. Capped by the starkness of May Your Soul Get to Heaven , Solidago is an album that begs for a follow-up.