Solventis is a French folk-progressive band that will be releasing their new album, Alcyon, on October 11, 2024; on Subsound Records. Solventis is a critically acclaimed band who toured Europe extensively last year and this spring as well. Their debut album, Of Dusk and Dawns, was well received, and they have built a considerable fan base and following. Their introspective music provides the listener with immense space, to concentrate and reflect upon life.
The band is made up of: lead singer-songwriter Sol, (Sophie Peyre), who also composes the music, writes lyrics, plays electric and acoustic guitars, piano, and bass; and Melody Morana, who sings backing vocals, plays keyboards and acoustic guitars.
In 2023, the band was invigorated by the addition of French photographer and musician Melody Morana; and she participated in their first European tour in the spring of 2024. Their music would fit well within your collections of albums from Kalandra, Eivør, Sylvaine, Loreena McKennitt, and Alcest.
Sol, (Sophie Peyre), says, about the album Alcyon, “I wrote Alcyon, inspired by visions of memories that, though not from this lifetime, feel intrinsically woven into my being. Some songs speak directly to these experiences, while others convey the emotions that course through me, reflecting my current journey. For this album, our sound has evolved significantly with the inclusion of electric guitar and synth alongside our traditional folk elements. I aimed to create a more immersive and textured experience, with a raw intensity in certain tracks that better captures the profound depth of these emotions”.
Most of Alcyon’s lyrics are written and sung in French, so I will not be able to translate them for you. However, suffice it to say, that you actually do not need the translations to feel the power and mystery of Alcyon, anyway. This album, speaks volumes without the need for translation. The music in itself is a wide ocean of consciousness, that allow the listener space, to appreciate every recorded sound and note, along with all of the wonderful instruments included. And all of that wonderful sound of music, begins with the title and first song, Alcyon.
Alcyon, happens to also be the first single off the album, and my favorite song on the album. It has a wonderful supporting music video filled with a view of the ocean; which looks like either the English Channel, or more possibly the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of France. It is the best song on the album, which explains its choice as the title song. The view of the sun, shimmering on the ocean and Sophie Peyre, is magnificent. A fantastic vision for the album. The rest of the video shows Sol, (Sophie), frolicking in the ocean and on the land surrounding the cliffs filled with wild flowers. Sol’s screams are loud and powerful. They disturb the aura of the calm, ocean presence and waveless motion. A very deep reflection of sound and love of the natural surroundings.
“Toutes les Lumières” is full of cool electric guitar, at its opening. It sounds like the quieter music I remember from The Mission and the Tea Party, maybe under candlelight. That reminder, makes this, my second favorite song off the album. The drums are a perfect addition to the mix. Sol’s singing is amazing.
“Folia”, is another album favorite with its inclusion of the cittern, which absolutely sets this track apart from the others. Sol’s voice rises and falls with the emotions expressed by the cittern and guitar perfectly. When the cittern and acoustic guitar echo into the background, it creates one of the most astonishing moments on the album.
Claps, soft drums, and Sol’s voice, shine bright on “Burns”; along with the soft acoustic guitar. “Burns”, also has a wonderful accompanying music video that can be played below. This is a sad song as reflected in the candle wax tears “falling” from Sol’s candle-lit eyes. The color red, surrounds and dominates the video, making for a formidable presence.
“Om Namo Narayana”, opens with Sol’s voice echoing into the void. It is awesome in its intensity. Then she sings some of her most powerful vocals on the album.
“Primevère”, is full of warm, soft electric guitar and Sol’s equally warm voice. This song also has a supporting video, this time filmed in blue, against the ocean. Sol is seen frolicking on the beach with nature. Her voice causes pause and helps you suspend all thought as you watch her or listen to her sing. Absolutely beautiful and amazing.
“Faerie”, is filled with beautiful, soft piano, like falling snowflakes. Then, the piano keys boldly enter the soundscape again, this time with purpose. An instrumental piano experience which you will truly cherish; as I did.
“L_Air des Lys”, is a soft, acoustic guitar song, with Sol singing for you personally. At least that is the way this one feels. It is as if you are the only one in the room with her; sitting and enjoying this personal concerto. Then, she adds to the soundscape, piano, and bells. Simply magnifique!
“Rain Bird”, is another soft song, this one sung in English about the feeling of rain. Then, it turns rough, with electric guitars and synths, and Sol singing, “I cannot stay with you forever!”
“Rifts”, is full of, well of course, acoustic guitar riffs. But Sol’s vocals sing about more. She sings, “The rifts inside me bring the light. Upon a past too raw, too dark. And I see, I feel, I feel. What had been erased to preserve me. And you take, you take. What you want. You take what you want from me. I can’t talk, I can’t breathe, I can’t say. You cannot hear the scream inside”. Then, almost a Court of the Crimson King soundscape fills the room. Wow!
Alcyon, is a wonderful continuation of the story of Solventis. I am so thankful I found out about this band through an association with the French band Wegferend. Alcyon is wonderful, from beginning to end. Every note, well-placed. Every vocal, sung with feeling and meaning. This is definitely one of the best albums of 2024. I am sure it will rank high on my end of the year favorites list. An Alcyon, is either a soft coral or a star in the Taurus constellation. Either way, it is unique and a thing of beauty to be appreciated with care. Please give Alcyon a listen, and I think you will come to the same conclusion!
Album Track List:
- Alcyon – 4:37
- Toutes les Lumières 4:35
- Folia – 3:02
- Burns – 3:53
- Om Namo Narayana – 1:58
- Primevère 3:32
- Faerie – 4:02
- L_Air des Lys – 2:56
- Rain Bird – 3:43
- Rifts – 4:06
Alcyon, was recorded, mixed and mastered by Florent Soler at Nekopolis Studio. Music, lyrics, vocals, guitars, bass, piano, and glockenspiel performed by Sol. Arrangements, synths, bass for ‘Burns’ and Drums” performed by Florent Soler. Backing vocals performed by Melody Morana. Cistre on ‘Folia’, performed by Yann Righetti. The album artwork was created by Raphaelle Monvoisin. Photography for the artwork was captured by Melody Morana.
Band Website and Social Media Links:
https://solventis.bandcamp.com/album/alcyon
https://www.instagram.com/solventis.music/reel/C_2X3xki_yY
https://www.facebook.com/subsoundrecords
https://www.juno.co.uk/products/solventis-alcyon-cd/1043976-01
YouTube and Music Video Links:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8vNWU_MzIlXX4hZDaV6fEg