Berkeley – Gratitude is one of those things that we just never see enough of. We all learn to say “please” and “thank you” when we’re growing up, but as we proceed through life, the words seem to lose meaning as they take their place in common, everyday conversation. So when someone says, “thank you,” and actually means it, it can be a bit jarring, which is unfortunate… and a little crazy.
The UK’s Solomon Grey — consisting of vocalist/composer Joe Wilson and composer Tom Kingston — just finished a run of dates promoting the duo’s eponymous debut LP, which was released back in March. The tour ran across North America in support of EDM giants Above & Beyond as they brought their acoustic show — versions of their material that saw the trio trade synthesizers for virtually an entire orchestra — to several of America’s more ornate, celebrated theatres (preceded by a handful of shows in London, Manchester, and the Netherlands). Solomon Grey’s show at the Hearst Greek Theatre on May 26th (part of the UC-Berkeley campus; a gift of late newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst) was the first of the only three outdoor shows on the tour (followed by a second date at the Greek and one at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles; Above & Beyond also played a show at the Waikiki Shell in Honolulu, but Solomon Grey was not present for that performance), however the lack of house lights dimming and the constant influx of chatty patrons resulted in a more distracting environment for the duo. However, there were still many enthusiastic attendees (though they were less focused, according to the band), and the duo was still extremely grateful to those fans who showed up early, for the beautiful weather of Berkeley, and for the opportunity to play such a grand venue as the Greek Theatre.
The band’s set as opening act was short, yet its brevity was outweighed by the richness of its content. The selection of songs they performed set the tone for the evening by offering some of the duo’s dulcet mellower material (songs like “Electric Baby” and “Sweet 84” were not to be found), most of which was drawn from the band’s debut LP. Although, a couple songs from earlier EPs seeped into the mix as well: “Glas/Green” from Dathanna: Sounds of the Wild Atlantic Way EP and “Miradors,” an earlier single, featured on the Selected Works EP, which serves as the score/soundtrack for the television adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s novel The Casual Vacancy. As the duo came onstage, the two situated themselves at dual keyboards placed at the center of the stage, which flanked a handful of mixers and synthesizers that were propped up to be within easy reach of the two of them from seated positions. As they entered, the introductory track from Solomon Grey, “Right Now,” played over the sound system, booming across the amphitheater as it took the place of the filler music that had been piped into the theater since the doors opened an hour prior. As soon as they sat, the melancholy placidity of album track “Gascarene Sound” rose up, and as Wilson sighed his haunting falsetto into the microphone, Kingston elegantly massaged the keys on his electric piano, and throughout the song — as with most of the songs during the set — the two never broke focus, as they both bounced between playing the keys and tinkering with the gear that sat between them. Wilson’s voice never wavered, and he often lost himself in the music, closing his eyes periodically; perhaps out of focus, though most likely out of pure, unadulterated surrender into his art.
The material that followed was similarly graceful and arresting, including the soaring “Broken Light” (the latest single from Solomon Grey), “Slow Motion Picture” (a heartbreaking requiem for a love that has been abandoned and forsaken), and “Epitaph,” the debut album’s ghostly second track that, despite the lyrical content and morbid title, has a supernatural optimism filtered into its slightly more up-tempo instrumentation. The set appropriately closed with “Choir to the Wild,” which originally appeared as the last track on Selected Works, but was reworked and expanded upon for Solomon Grey, where it also serves as the album’s closing number. As the duo finished the set, the two once again thanked all those in attendance, gushing gratitude and humility while leaving the stage.
I was fortunate enough to speak with the guys after the set, as they had posted up near the merch table to talk with fans and sign some autographs. They immediately recognized me as “the guy taking photos.” Though, when the band’s manager introduced me as the one who reviewed the album Solomon Grey, for this very site, I was embraced enthusiastically. Apparently the two had encountered some trouble getting publications to review the album, and were extremely grateful to me — not because I gave Solomon Grey a “good” review, but because I gave an honest one that not only highlighted the duo’s strengths but also demonstrated the time and effort I put into listening to and trying to understand the vision and message Solomon Grey was trying to establish.
This review isn’t about me. I’m not using this as a forum to say, “Wow, I’m such a good writer, and I am really appreciated and blah, blah, blah.” The only reason I was able to write such a passionate and glowing review of the duo’s debut album is because it was deserved, and the band’s performance at the Greek that night deserves the same amount of praise, if not more. The two never broke focus, even in the face of a semi-distracted crowd and some unexpected obstacles related to the sound being bounced back from the amphitheater. And it was a gorgeous set! Solomon Grey was given a wonderful opportunity to open for such an established and beloved act as Above & Beyond, and the band truly proved its worth, as evident in the veritable mob of fans old and new alike waiting to talk to the duo after the set. The guys in Solomon Grey make music that is soulful and vulnerable, and they’re fucking rock stars… though I don’t know if they know it yet. But most importantly, they’re modest and exceedingly grateful for their fans. But really, we’re the ones who are grateful for them.
Solomon Grey just wrapped up a tour with Above & Beyond. The duos’ debut LP Solomon Grey is now available via Universal. For more information on the band, visit the Solomon Grey Facebook page.
Photography by Corey Bell for Best New Bands. Follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Corey Bell
Latest posts by Corey Bell (see all)
- Jagwar Ma’s ‘Every Now & Then’ is Quite the Ride - July 31, 2017
- 2 New Bands at Voodoo Music Festival Day 3 - November 4, 2016
- 5 New Bands at Voodoo Music Festival Day 2 - October 30, 2016
