Must Own Albums

Album Review: Iress- Solace

I’m sure we’ve all heard albums that have left a last impression on ones self. Sometimes these albums take us to different places be it in our minds, imaginations, etc. Then there are times when an album comes out that hits you at the right moment in all the right ways and it makes it feel like everything will be ok because of that album. A couple months back the band Iress, released the song “Ricochet” off their now released and utterly spellbinding and superb EP, Solace. The moment I heard that song, I knew there was something more to it than just a “dark/moody vibe.” What I found was a band that sonically devastates while at the same time draws you in seductively. Iress’s new EP, Solace is a piece of art and music that hypnotizes you while the words and vocals crawl under your skin and gives you the type of chills that you might find when you reach that moment of clarity. The life that these songs breathe is astounding. One of the most intriguing factors about Iress is their ability to utilize atmosphere and space to balance out the heavy nature of the songs. It’s a feeling you will notice as you listen. Through all the darkness on these songs, the hope and light found throughout is breathtaking. The depths these songs take you and the place it leaves you in the end is the light at the end of the tunnel. Fronted by Michelle Malley (aka The Adele Of Doom) her vocals and guitar take you on quite a journey of love, loss, pain, and anguish all while the band Graham Walker (guitar), Michael Maldonado (bass) and Glenn Chu (drums) create the soundtrack to all this and add the right sonic elements the leaves you breathless. Another aspect that makes this release so damn good is the production. Producer/Engineer/Mixer Alex Estrada (Touche Amore, Joyce Manor, etc) makes this all come to life by capturing the raw and emotional charged performances of each member. There is no mistaking the magnitude that Iress puts out and with this EP it’s not even close to where their potential lays. I personally can’t wait to hear what else this band does and goes musically. Solace is not just a superb release, it’s my favorite release of 2023. Congratulations to all involved in the creation and release of this masterful EP. Iress is here and they are coming for you! You can pick up your copy of the EP now via the one and only Dune Altar Records (one of the best indie labels around)!

Overall Rating: A

Iress- Solace:

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Review By: Brian Lacy

Must Own Albums: Interstelar- Resin

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Remember how I said that 2016 was a great year for music? Well I still can’t take certain albums from last year out of rotation. Among all the great albums released, there is one that I’ve really dug from first listen. I’m talking about the album RESIN by Interstelar. The band’s ability to write such great songs really keeps you engrossed in listening. The way they are able to mix the stoner/doom genres with bits of classic rock and sludge is pure art. I’ve heard so many “stoner” bands over the years but, not many can even come close to how good Interstelar is.

Every song from beginning to end on Resin not only rocks but emits a vibe that puts you in a bit of a trance and lets you escape through the music. From the moment the chunky riffs in “sILO” starts, you know feel the groove. “Resin” is one of those epic songs that could be on the first Down album. “High Horse” is an absolute gem. It’s ballad-esque feel really showcases the bands songwriting ability. “Hold It” is a sharp rocker that would be perfect for a road trip mix. “Opposite Daze” is a bit of an experimental song but doesn’t stray far from the sound of the band. There is a definite influence of The Cult on this song. “Armada” is damn near mind blowing. Listening to the song there is a bit of a Tool vibe that really helps to guide along the sludge. “Behold” brings the album back around to the “ROCK” and it’s done with such grace. It’s the perfect flow of songs. Closing out the album is “Sequoia,” a more solemn song that has bits of a psychedelic feel the way the guitars come in and out.

Singer Jason Kothmann has a voice for the times and harks back to an era that is based on feeling. The guitar work by Kothmann and Gary Gladson is on par with that of the classic bands of the genre but also, they add a bit of a modern twist with their tone. The rhythm section of  P. J. McMullan on drums and Joe Puccio on bass are so in the pocket it’s as though you are feeling each beat and pulse. Not only is Interstelar a great band of musicians but their album is one that needs to be in every music fans collection.

Orders for the album on vinyl are available HERE

Take A Listen Below:

Interstelar- Resin:

 

Interstelar- High Horse (Video):