In every aspect, this is the most wonderful tribute to Mark Hollis and Talk Talk. Hollis was a true visionary who took Talk Talk from new romantic pop into progressive minimalism. This album is the closest thing that Mark Hollis would’ve done if he was still alive, and still musically active. Even the album cover is related to Talk Talk releases. Also, there are number of musicians here involved who played alongside Hollis during his years of activity.
The music itself has variety of moods, it can create or alter certain feel. In many ways, you feel here like you interact with the music. Sometimes you hear the sounds that simply aren’t there, but your mind takes you to that place. This by far might the most beautiful impact of this album. It challenges your mind in the most unexpected ways. There is a trance element that allows you to go places while experiencing this album. Solace is what you feel under this record’s spell. That title couldn't be more accurate.
The music has very odd qualities, some tracks give you that feel of the evaporated love that you're trying to reach so hard, and it’s always an inch higher. There is also feeling of gentle rain drops coming down at you, and no real reason given as to why. Imagine looking at the stars, and you get the feeling that in fact, it’s them watching you. You put this record on another day, and it’s a completely new scenario of feelings. Sometimes it’s too much, and then you turn this record off, but you keep coming back to it because it takes you places.
Solace is a truly wonderful album that thrives on its own. Despite the obvious Hollis influences, Held By Trees has plenty of fluids of its own. The more you listen to this album, you abandon any opinions, and let the music direct you into the unknown. There is a spiritual feel that can beautiful and haunting at the same time. Each listen is like a throw of the dice, you get something different out of it. Those who’ll get it will experience a repeated state of bliss.
Mark Kadzielawa
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