Genre/Influences: Dark-Folk, Chanson.

Format: Digital, CD, Vinyl.

Background/Info: Solventis is a solo-project from Toulouse (France), which self-released a debut EP called “Wintersongs” in 2018. This debut album was released at the end of 2020 on Steelwork Maschine.

Content: This project is driven by ‘Sol’ who’s playing all instruments and singing. He got a helping hand from a few guests. The songs are rather short and carried by a dark Folk-like approach. The rather typical guitar playing creates this Folk basis, which is accentuated by some violin play, creating an emotional side to this work. The vocals have something heavenly, but still fragile and sometimes feel like an invitation to dream away. 

+ + + : I like the dreamy side of the production, which appears to be the main characteristic of this production. The darker side of the sound however has something ominous; like an imminent, invisible danger. I like the violin parts for the magic and especially emotional touch they inject. “The Night Is Gone” and “Grey Dawn” both are excellent cuts illustrating this sonic grace. But my favorite song is “The Peaceful One”, which simply sounds right and beautiful. The somewhat fragile timbre of voice creates a perfect twist with the reverie of the work.

– – – : I just regret the songs aren’t more diversified and especially the violin play could have brought the work to a higher level.

Conclusion: Solventis is an interesting discovery, which brings a new dimension of Neo/Dark-Folk music.

Best songs: “The Peaceful One”, “The Night Is Gone”,  “Grey Dawn”.

Rate: (7).

Artist: www.facebook.com/solventis

Label: www.steelwork.fr  / www.facebook.com/pages/Steelwork.Maschine

Inferno Sound Diaries

I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.

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