Well, Solace lives up to its name just a bit. The music still rocks but only just a little. It leans more toward the pop side with songs that invite introspection. There is a minor problem though. I once promised myself that if I come across a song by a local band with the word immortality in it I would instantly send the album to my recycle bin, Yucky! Pa-profound. Just like the way I do movie scripts where I read the word sindikato. Double yuck!
There is a song that mentions immortality in Never Easy. I will not say which. Instead I dare you to find out which one. But I stayed listening through anyway because I wanted to find out how the album will end with the reprise of the title cut with only solo piano accompaniment. Now that’s a nice touch and the vocals of Chad Canares reminded me of the soulful Gary of Alamid. Wonder whatever happened to that band.
But back to Solace. I am also glad I listened through to the end because Never Easy turned out to be really quite good. It is an interesting mix of what we like about Hale and Cueshé, well-produced and made up of a lineup of songs that grows on the listener. Of course, I also found out that the music of Solace is not really made for solace but the whole package is certainly made of better stuff than what we have been getting all this time.
Credit that to the members of the group who are all adept musicians who do know what they are doing. Solace, which was formed only six months ago, is made up of Chad Canares formerly of UK Lily, the New Wave band from Cebu, on vocals; Sam Codilla ex of a band named Roots on lead guitar; Rodney Vidanes on bass; and Herson Fremista, NU 107 nominee for Bassist of the Year and Drummer of the Year for his participation in the 2003 Musiklaban competition.
Never Easy features all-new original compositions by the band. These are the title cut, which is the first single release, then Healing, Bridging the Gap, Ed, Dream Maker, Riding with Angels, Bang, Borrowed Time, Radio, Hide Away, which is another possible single, and Never Easy again with the solo piano.
Can’t Let You Go by Cueshé; You Win the Game by Mark Bautista; Minamahal Kita by Ogie Alcasid; Konti Na Lang by Pedicab; Jeepney by Kala; Alaala ni Batman by Radioactive Sago Project; Lihim by Orange & Lemons; Binibini by Brownman Revival; High by The Speaks; 241 by Rivermaya; 6 in the Morning by Dice & K9; and Igalaw Mo Lang by D Coy featuring RP.
Winners will get a free trip to Boracay with four of his friends and pocket money of P30,000, plus the chance to join or simply watch the relay races, bikini wrestling matches, dance parties, yoga classes, beach volleyball, bikini body contests and many more games and concerts featuring 6Cyclemind, Hale, Imago and Sugarfree.