Review: Sole & the Skyrider Band

I just got the new self-titled album from Sole And The Skyrider Band. Its been awhile since I've bought a new "hip-hop" release, although it could be argued that the album doesn't really fall directly into this category. While Sole does deliver some of his signature rhyme schemes and intense outbursts, the overall spectrum of this release spans much more ground than his usual solo ventures. The addition of the amazing three-piece from Orlando known as Skyrider has clearly given Sole a fresh outlook on his own approach to music. I love all of Sole's releases, from the early Bottle of Humans to the somewhat under appreciated Live From Rome album. However, this could quite possibly be my favorite release from Tim Holland.



With Bud Berning running the bass, samplers, and editing details.. John Wagner on drums and William Fritch on multiple other instruments.. and of course Sole on vocals.. this album delivers a musically consistent thirteen tracks. Add the keen mixing ear of Alias to the equation and you've got an outstanding lineup. Highlights for me included the crunchy intro track "A Sad Day for Investors", as well as the "Magnum" and "One Egg Short of an Omelette". The two best tracks in my opinion are "The Bones of My Pets" and the closing song "Stupid Things Implode on Themsleves", which both could possibly be in Sole's top-five best tracks.