Album Review: A. A. Williams – Solstice (Reigning Phoenix Music)

A.A. Williams, the musician, singer, and songwriter known for her atmospheric, emotionally charged music, returns with her new album ‘Solstice’, due for release on 5th June via Reigning Phoenix Music.

For me, what makes A.A. Williams such an incredible artist and such a phenomenal force, is how she excels at creating music that stays with you long afterwards. She touches the soul and there aren’t many better examples then the opening track, Poison. It’s haunting, it’s intense, but from a poppier perspective. It’s layered with gloom, and it features exciting alternative rock elements. From the start, it’s clear this album is going to be special, but let me tell you now, I think this is A.A. Williams’ masterpiece.

Big words, I know, but the proof is right here, and it continues to be so effective courtesy of Wolves and Little by Little. Where the enigmatic artist delivers a dramatic display of dark melody and rock, anthemic in a way, but potent because of how meditative it feels.

Sometimes meditative, sometimes hypnotic, but always remarkable. That is what you can expect when listening to something like Hold It Together, a personal favourite. Showcasing melancholy until around the halfway point where it ‘powers’ up, transforming into something decadently epic. It is complimented by equally potent efforts like Outlines, I’ve Seen Enough, and The Veil.

I’ve not used the word cinematic yet, but it’s another important aspect of the A.A. Williams experience and those willing to let themselves be immersed will be. You don’t just listen to A.A. Williams and Solstice, you feel it. As deep down as the pit of your soul.

I think it’s an album that defies any and all expectations, and while my favourite tracks seem to chop and change on every listen, there are one or two that stand out more than any other. One such example is Just a Shadow. A boundary breaking, stunningly beautiful, and dramatically gloomy listen with lyrics you can’t help but pay attention to.

The haunting melody, the potency of the vocals, the rocked-up chorus, and explosive gaze/post direction that it goes in near the end is stunning.

For me, it’s the highest point of the album, but don’t let that fool you into believing the latter part disappoints. Not when there’s something as melodramatic as It Won’t Rain Forever on offer. Not when Breathe emphatically showcases the cinematic quality of the album, and not when The Gentle Harm effortlessly oozes tender authenticity and emphatic vibrancy. An unparalleled experience right up to the end.

A.A. Williams – Solstice Track Listing:

1. Poison
2. Wolves
3. Little By Little
4. Hold It Together
5. Outlines
6. I’ve Seen Enough
7. The Veil
8. Just A Shadow
9. It Won’t Rain Forever
10. Breathe
11. The Gentle Harm

Links

Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram