Posted by: Anonymous | October 23rd, 2008
You won't believe that you and your friends had never heard of Sol'Jibe after one listen to New Day, which showcases their multi-culti world-pop sound. Reminiscent of great roots rock bands like Rusted Root and Dave Matthews Band, Sol'Jibe spices their people-pleasing songs with unique instrumental flair. I don't mean that they sound like someone else, because they don't. But there's a certain groove - that accessible pop songwriting with passionate vocals and a hodgepodge of exotic sounds - that just can't be mistaken.
These guys are roots rock and could have easily fit right in on the HORDE Tour back in the day. The title track is a nice representative capsule of the band. Crashing rock riffs blend with subtle saxophone, genuine Spanish guitar, eerie violin, and vocals that are ready for the radio. It's the instrumental work that really grabs you, though. The spaces appropriated for instrumental creativity are succinct but powerful, instantly creating a dramatic and vivid atmosphere for the fervent vocals of Tim Snider. "Para Hermosa" leans farther to the Latin side of things and sounds nothing like "New Day," instead utilizing percussion and frantic flamenco rhythms for a nearly-instrumental stunner. The gorgeous "La Infinita" brings to mind another Western band with a penchant for exotic sounds and danceable beats - The Motet - and features some escapist solos from Jonathan Phillips (sax) and Snider. It's a celebratory kind of tune that threatens to take the party into the streets. Conversely, the moody "Marinero" ventures through wildly divergent territory in its 7-minute span, with world-weary violins, foreboding backdrops, and slow-burning global bluesiness.
These guys are roots rock and could have easily fit right in on the HORDE Tour back in the day. The title track is a nice representative capsule of the band. Crashing rock riffs blend with subtle saxophone, genuine Spanish guitar, eerie violin, and vocals that are ready for the radio. It's the instrumental work that really grabs you, though. The spaces appropriated for instrumental creativity are succinct but powerful, instantly creating a dramatic and vivid atmosphere for the fervent vocals of Tim Snider. "Para Hermosa" leans farther to the Latin side of things and sounds nothing like "New Day," instead utilizing percussion and frantic flamenco rhythms for a nearly-instrumental stunner. The gorgeous "La Infinita" brings to mind another Western band with a penchant for exotic sounds and danceable beats - The Motet - and features some escapist solos from Jonathan Phillips (sax) and Snider. It's a celebratory kind of tune that threatens to take the party into the streets. Conversely, the moody "Marinero" ventures through wildly divergent territory in its 7-minute span, with world-weary violins, foreboding backdrops, and slow-burning global bluesiness.
Slinky Spanish rhythms, spirited soloing and strong vocals make it hard to believe that most people are just now hearing about Sol'Jibe. While the band is finally getting some due, they shouldn't have to wait around much longer for a national and perhaps even worldwide audience. Everyone that hears New Day loves it, and a band can only wander through the music industry desert for so many years before they come upon an oasis. Hopefully it won't be a mirage.
--Bryan Rodgers
