Solar Circuit Releases New EP: Controlled Chaos
by Matt Testa
Album art: Tortuga Design Studio
When I first listened to Controlled Chaos, it was one of those workdays where I had a steady list of tasks to accomplish, but they were all things I’ve learned to do in my sleep. I needed focus, but I had more than enough brain space to spare, the perfect environment for taking in a new EP. Within minutes, I found myself bouncing between laser focus and jubilant distraction. Twenty tasks were completed in the time usually reserved for ten, all while my rollie chair played host to outbreaks of silly dance moves…prompting ‘side eyes’ from my cat. In rare air, an album will inspire you to blissfully throw your limbs into your surroundings while also bringing you into whatever zone you need to be in. It could be work, a workout, or anything else you need to be dialed in for. Whereas it is often one or the other with albums, Controlled Chaos excels equally at both.
Skyward sets the table, immediately showcasing the virtuosity and the texture-building genius Solar Circuit has continued to bless us with. The licks and grooves coalesce with the layers as if the song is building itself. Meanwhile, the dreamy vocals pop in and out to add the preverbal ‘cherry.’ From there, Golden Hour bops in with a sort of sneakiness. Almost as if it’s snooping around, benevolently up to something. It invites you along for whatever good fun mischief is to be had, assuming you are feeling cheeky yourself. Once cooking, the song highlights the band’s ability to run down a scent once caught, slowly developing levels that replicate on top of each other.
Skyward sets the table, immediately showcasing the virtuosity and the texture-building genius Solar Circuit has continued to bless us with. The licks and grooves coalesce with the layers as if the song is building itself. Meanwhile, the dreamy vocals pop in and out to add the preverbal ‘cherry.’ From there, Golden Hour bops in with a sort of sneakiness. Almost as if it’s snooping around, benevolently up to something. It invites you along for whatever good fun mischief is to be had, assuming you are feeling cheeky yourself. Once cooking, the song highlights the band’s ability to run down a scent once caught, slowly developing levels that replicate on top of each other.
Enigma is my personal favorite of the EP, although I find the name confusing. After the initial display of low-key drum and bass, it explodes out of the gate like a prized stallion. All instruments and all players are in prime form as the song traverses and climbs the peaks and valleys it creates. At my desk at home, I felt quite transported. Enigma is hardly an enigma, seeing that it emulates everything Solar Circuit has become known for, hence my confusion.
The brilliant book end of this whole business, Through The Fog, manages to sum all the width and depth of the previous tracks. This brilliant coda is hard to write about because I’m mostly inspired to simply echo things I’ve already said. You don’t want to re-read, and I don’t want to repeat myself. I will say that the EP feels a sense of completion after hearing this track; everything seems presented to you neatly wrapped up and with a cute bow on it.
All in all, I could not be more thrilled with the product this captivating band has rolled out. Controlled Chaos is made even more interesting when factoring in that much of the work was done. While on the road, during a national tour. Solar Circuit continues to prove that they are one of the hardest working bands in this circus in a bubble we call home. Mixed by their own Becca LeVan and mastered by Jesse Miller of Lotus, the stars are clearly shining on this production. While I am sure the band would agree that their live shows are where they eat, make no mistake, there is no loss of energy with this EP. I half expected to hear crowd noise after each song the first time I listened.
The brilliant book end of this whole business, Through The Fog, manages to sum all the width and depth of the previous tracks. This brilliant coda is hard to write about because I’m mostly inspired to simply echo things I’ve already said. You don’t want to re-read, and I don’t want to repeat myself. I will say that the EP feels a sense of completion after hearing this track; everything seems presented to you neatly wrapped up and with a cute bow on it.
All in all, I could not be more thrilled with the product this captivating band has rolled out. Controlled Chaos is made even more interesting when factoring in that much of the work was done. While on the road, during a national tour. Solar Circuit continues to prove that they are one of the hardest working bands in this circus in a bubble we call home. Mixed by their own Becca LeVan and mastered by Jesse Miller of Lotus, the stars are clearly shining on this production. While I am sure the band would agree that their live shows are where they eat, make no mistake, there is no loss of energy with this EP. I half expected to hear crowd noise after each song the first time I listened.
Listen to Controlled Chaos by Solar Circuit on Spotify
Released December 19th, watch Golden Hour, performed and recorded live at Morgan Creek Farms in Quakertown, PA
