It's been about 6 years since the last (new) full length Solvent album came out. Not to say the man isn't busy. In-fact, if you look at his discography you will see that Jason Amm has released a slew of singles and a couple of albums collecting b-sides and rarities in the meantime. So the wait, although it seemed a tad too long, wasn't quite as empty as it could have been. With Solvent's return, "Subject To Shift", you can expect more vocals added to the mix, a few more "dancier" tracks with a slightly "darker" tone.
If you haven't introduced yourself to Solvent do so now. Solvent is one of the first Ghostly bands I was really obsessed with back in the day. I can't tell you how many compilations I've made that I put the song "Operating Ease" on (truly the most Robotic song I've heard since Kraftwerk came along). With Solvent's newest offering it's not as if he got rid of said robotic sounds, in-fact they are still there, but what Mr. Amm does do is offer a piece of himself to the music as well. Rather than just letting the machines doing the talking for him, his actual voice and a somewhat human quality seeps through just slightly underneath the layers of glimmering electronic metal. Tracks like "Don't Forget The Phone" easily remind me of a b-side from earlier material. While tracks like "No One Should Be Living Here" remind me of something slightly more trance-like/dance floor friendly. I like this album, it's nice, but I do feel as if there are more fillers here than there are "solid" standout tracks. Either way this album does make for terrific background noise when you're working and just need something with a poppy/slightly mellow beat. Whether you're shaking your butt or tapping your toe "Subject To Shift" is friendly enough for both human and robots alike.
I like that there a more "differences" between the songs on Solvent's newer material these days. "Subject To Shift" seems like the next logical step in Jason's career. Nice/chill Electro Pop music with a few experimental electronic sounds and plenty of beats to keep you in high spirits. If you're a fan of robots, cheesy electronic sounds (such as the ones you might hear in random 80's movies) you should love Solvent's work. Good job Jason! Maybe next time don't keep us waiting for so long?
Standout Tracks: Unknown Caller, Take Me Home, Caught A Glimpse
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