EP Review: Solomon & Finder – ‘Lust’

When a crispy new band offers its debut EP to the public for free, naturally you’re going to be a tad skeptical about its excellence. Indeed the odd free promotional single, as well as a ‘pay as much as you wish’ mantra if you’re name is Radiohead is part and parcel of the technical advances in which the success of the industry now depends on.

But with Solomon & Finder releasing their debut EP ‘Lust’ today via their website for free, any doubts re: excellence are quashed after the first ten seconds of eerie Jack in the Box sonic in opening track ‘Weather. Gracious vocals and gentle piano then coaxes the ethereal rhythm alongside crooning pensive lyrics of ‘young girl with the pale skin, what do you want to be when you grow up?’ It’s here where you begin to learn the themes of love, life, death and determination entrench each track of this glorious Hip-Pop record.

Some of you music heads may already recognise this north London duo from their collaboration with San Francisco’s Jealous Guys on the track ‘Love You So’ as it elevated their profile to underground prominence, apparently. As the follow up to the stand out opening track, ‘Death Wish’ is simply nice chillaxing material to ponder or read to, as opposed to a memorable anthem, but ho-hum, there’s still no resisting those alluring vocals.

The second and final stand out track is ‘Don’t Hold Back’ – its atmospheric synths and finger clicks tickle your fibres and the spacious production washes over you to induce a mystical trance. Deevine. And with the quicker than anticipated arrival of curtain closer ‘IT’, you can’t but help find the lush Spanish guitar layered over low-end bass sexy. But it’s the lyrically and melodically intriguing charm, the soulful quality and exotic feel that then slaps you in the face as three minutes and ten seconds into the finale you’re a little thrown by an abrupt change in pace and stripped melody.

Nevertheless, ‘Lust’ proves to be a superabundant debut from these London lads who are sure to rock your boats next year with more of their striking genre-amalgamating ethos.

- Caroline Jackson