Solid Gold

“Synchronize”
from the album Bodies of Water
2008
iTunes

Bodies of Water is an interesting title choice for Solid Gold‘s full-length debut, as the calm stillness that it insinuates is nowhere to be found here. The electropop rock band from Minneapolis throw the listener right into the middle of a dark and sultry dancehall filled to the brim. Pulsating bass, lush synths, and infectious hooks are tightly packaged and speed like a small two-seater chasing after the city lights. It’s going to be a fun night.

The album shifts into high gear after the hazy highway opening of “New Kanada” and doesn’t let off of the gas until the end. Songs seamlessly weave in and out like traffic with sprinkles of Southern twang and moody pop meshed with their electronica foundation. For a debut, Solid Gold feel extremely polished as they attempt fusing various vibes to etch their own signature sound. Standouts, like the radio-perfect “Get Over It,” and “Synchronize,” with its airy, hypnotizing vocals, are sure to keep the party going.

Depending on your musical preference, the Spanish-inspired “Neon Rose” will seem like either a forced, formulaic speed bump or a risqué jump start. I chose the former. Despite this, Solid Gold has struck just that with this debut, pairing gloomy, melancholy lyrics with eclectic, punchy production makes this a fun album that lands easy on the ears.