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Written
by Montey Zike, posted by blog admin
Quantum
Split refers to themselves as a rock soul band. The description doesn’t quite
do them justice. The two songs on their EP release America do far more than
attempt bringing off the unlikely marriage of soul and hard rock – they
incorporate elements of funk, strong melodies, a smattering of punk attitude,
and some of the aesthetic driving artists in the singer/songwriter realm. They
excel at invoking atmospherics, as well, without overlaying the song with too
many notes or belabored passages lacking spark. The dynamic contrasts they
strike between the quiet and more raucous sections never lack punch while never
playing out in a predictable way. Lead singer and songwriter Soleil Laurent has
the mark of a major star in any era – she gives a dominating vocal performance
on both tracks and the band, directed by guitarist Adrian Read’s efforts, are
more than up to the task of matching her intensity.
It’s
a topical song and those sorts of cuts are always problematic. There has to be
a sense of some universal truth holding those efforts together or else they
invariably find themselves tethered to a particular time, place, and historical
cast of characters. “America”, however, does grab onto something of the
universal with the song’s overarching theme of what it means to be a citizen of
one of the great national powers in humankind’s history. The chief executive
residing in the White House at any given time doesn’t lessen its abiding
relevance, Even for those not born in or living in America, it gives fiery
expression to the rage and incomprehension many worldwide are experiencing
since the nation’s new President assumed control. The musical backing wrings
every bit as much gravitas as possible to give a well deserved, hefty backing
to the song’s weighty subject matter. Laurent gets over the lyrics without a
dollop of self-indulgence and often conjures up white knuckle passion sure to
win over even the most cynical of listeners.
“Runaway”
is much less focused on soul and funk in favor of a nearly outright blues
arrangement. Laurent proves her mettle with the different texture; there’s
little question that, in an earlier era, she could have experienced terrific
success practicing her craft in that style. The second track has a much more
deliberate touch than the title song, but it never overextends itself. The
inevitable and pleasing musical turns build the right amount of tension and
transition at the right points. Read delivers some passionate guitar work on
this song, but he throws in some playing with real crunch and bite nicely
rounded off by bassist Ivan Hardy and drummer Anthony Anderson. The devout
following this four piece has amassed so early in their development is a
testament to how deeply their message and music resonate with their target
audience. This is music about being alive and engaged in 2017, but also speaks
to the eternal value of never allowing your freedom to be compromised.
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