SAPPHIRE SOLACE
Shadow Stories

Self released

The elaborate gatefold cover artwork of Sapphire Solace debut album Shadow Stories, with mystical images of Ocean, of shadows and fairies, of something simplistic, yet meaningful, is a reflective portrayal of the themes explored within this collection of fifteen intricately balanced songs. A collaboration of intent between singer/songwriter, Velvet Shadow and the stylised guitars of Rick Joyce, the album represents a temporal fusion of combined creativity, with emotionally haunting vocals gliding effortlessly around synthesized atmospheric soundscapes.

There is a beauty in Velvet's lyrics as they explore observed reactions, of human nature and behaviours and these fully develop in the ballad-like offerings of  'Completely' and 'Finally' while in contrast, 'Shine' and  'Take A Look Inside' have a more upbeat flavour with 'Vaccinate Me'  introducing a much rockier feel. The enchanting 'Running out of Time' is perhaps the stand out track in this interesting debut album that ticks so many boxes on so many levels. As you would expect, Rick's twenty-year history as a driving force within the field of production has served well with the arranging and layering of this collection, making this debut a definitive statement of intent, and with the serious contemplation of the compositions giving way to a fun-loving cover of Aqua's 'Barbie Girl', Sapphire Solace's diversity is instrumental in shaping their music.

DJ ARMAND
[4/5]