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Conversations with GoD: Justin Daniels
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Manic Rekallism   |  @   |  

UK music fiend and GoDoomer Manic Rage put together the very first GoD Inter-Re-View. His inaugural subject: Stoner Rock masters SOLACE and their guitarist Justin Daniels. Read on to find out why you should be listening to Solace and about how Daniels wears the title Geek like it’s a badge of honor.
Solace
After securing myself two of Solace‘s releases, namely…

Solace: 13 …and… Solace: Further
13‘ [2000 – MeteorCity]   Further‘ [2003 – MeteorCity/Listenable]

… from the small independent music store on Manchester [UK] called “˜Vinyl Exchange’ (because the chances of getting anything quality from the Music-Super-Shit-Stores like HMV is like phlegming out of a car window at speed ahead of you – UTTERLY POINTLESS!) and getting them home for a right ol’ listen made me realize something.

Solace are like speed-Kyuss. They are the KICK-IN-THE-NUTS WITH-STEEL-TOE-CAP-BOOTS the world needs and is thankful for receiving. They hail from the burgeoning Stoner Rock scene but somehow surpass that by being FUCKING AMAZING. Testament to this was my experience at the Jabez Clegg Manchester gig supporting Orange Goblin. It would make you piss your pants with glee listening to the low thundering rumble of such a classic act.

[Check out the interview with guitarist Justin Daniels here after the jump.]

Solace: The Black BlackWith these two albums, (one being enough to make anyone a fan) and now a new release: The Black Black EP we are onto something GREAT. To quote ‘Azgarth’ from StonerRock.com:

“If I had to describe The Black Black in a word, it would be one long girlish shriek of joy. The three originals – “Khan (World of Fire),” “Destroy the Gift,” and “The Devil’s Clock” — and their cover of The Cure’s “World War” — deliver classic Solace and then some. The current line-up recorded only one other original, “Cement Stitches” from their split with Greatdayforup, and while a great song, it didn’t fully capture what the band was capable of doing. Solace is a guitarist’s band, and The Black Black is replete with riffs, harmonized solos, blistering solos, moody solos, solos that make the hairs on your arm stand up, and the type of solos that make your dog run around in circles, barking at nothing, but never to the point where they sacrifice actual songs. They’ve stepped up their songwriting in the years since 13, and the end result is an ugly, aggressive, and unique blend of rock, doom, and metal. Credit to that also needs to go to front man Jason, whose use of both clean, melodic vocals and a fierce shriek adds considerable dynamics to the tracks (especially “The Devil’s Clock”).

Is this the best material Solace has written? Damn straight. Given the 33 minutes running time, it’s debatable whether this will be Album of the Year or EP of the Year. Either way, this is highly recommended. Holy fucking hell, this rules.

So with this in mind, Manic Rage decided to bother Solace’s very own grizzly guitarist Justin Daniels for a quick question and answer session to further enhance the appeal of the band and MAKE YOU SIT UP AND FUCKING LISTEN!

Solace Guitarist Justin DanielsGeeks of Doom: Howdy Justin! How’s life treating you?

Justin Daniels: Not bad. It’s hot and humid and all the damn vacationers are here, making it impossible to drive anywhere and not want to choke the living Christ out of someone…but, you know, prison sucks.

GoD: You were in Britain recently — how did you find the reception/weather and moreover, how did you find the locals?

JD: The reception was great, man. Most of the shows in the UK were sold out and the people were really into the music. Touring with Orange Goblin sure didn’t hurt. We love those c**ts like family. The underground scene over in Europe is so much stronger then here in the States. As for the weather … it rained every day we were there, some days more than others. We didn’t give a shit, we were drunk anyway. We stood at Stonehenge under the pissing down sky, having the time of our lives.

GoD: After gracing Scotland, did you find time to try the local cuisine? The Scots will and do deep-fry everything, including pizzas “¦

JD: I wish I’d known about that. I actually can’t remember eating while we were in Scotland other than sandwiches backstage. I do remember drinking quite a bit … but I’m all for a deep fried pizza. Bring it on, brother.

GoD: And with this, what’s your opinion on the Scottish and Kilts. It must really take a man to wear a man-skirt and not much else!

JD: That comes from a proud tradition that I could never put down or make fun of. I’m sure there have been many a man who wore a kilt that could lay down a severe beating on you or I, laddy.

GoD: Was the tour of Europe any different?

JD: The venues were a bit smaller and the weather a bit warmer. But the people were all cool to us. We had a bit of a language barrier touring with those Doomraiser boys, but we had alcoholism in common, so we all became brothers in drunken doom. It was a blast man. Great time had by all.

GoD: Now I know that Solace split up. Can you divulge into the details behind this, and the reasons for regrouping?

JD: It was never an official split or really any major deal. We kind of just took a break for a few months, hanging in limbo. We are all brothers for sure. The kick in the ass that got us back in gear was being asked to play the Roadburn Festival. It made us all realize that Solace is worth our time and passion.

GoD: With the release of the Black Black EP, will there be a full-length album in the works?

JD: A full length has been in the works since 2004! Our newest album, A.D., is dying to be completed. We were hoping to finish it before this tour, but time and money stood in our way. We took four tracks, finished them, and released them as The Black Black. We plan on getting back into the studio and finishing up A.D. soon. It’d be nice if we had some label help, that’s for damn sure.

GoD: Where do you see yourself and Solace in the near future?

JD: At the bar… Actually we have some shows booked here on the East Coast that we’re excited about, playing with bands like Stinking Lizaveta and The Hidden Hand. Keep checking DieDrunk.com and our Myspace for updates. We hope to come back across the pond toward the end of the year since we got such an awesome response from you folks.

GoD: What qualifies you as a Geek and why should I be interested?

JD: I’m a geek for a multitude of reasons… like using the word multitude. I have this thing where I call myself a Geek like it’s a badge of honor. I collect toys, love Star Trek TNG, think Carl Sagan is a god, and know every word to the Transformers theme song. I am the Geek King of the Scumbags!

When I want to advocate something, I will. This will mean badgering all the people I know. And I badger. Something chronic. And as you read this on Geeks of Doom I expect you to search this band out”¦the saviours of real HARD FUCKIN’ ROCK.

Official Solace Website
Solace on Myspace
Justin Daniels on Myspace

4 Comments »

  1. Fuckin’ A.

    Comment by Manic_Rage — July 11, 2007 @ 2:00 am

  2. Hell Yeah \m/

    Comment by Metal Dave — July 13, 2007 @ 2:53 am

  3. Nice one lads!!!

    Comment by dickie — July 13, 2007 @ 2:36 pm

  4. Solace are an immensely talented band, despite being a bunch of drunken New Jersey scumbags. That first tour of the UK and Europe this spring was well overdue and I thank my lucky stars I was fortunate enough to see them. I know they made many, many new fans over here and just I cannot wait until they return. I know I’m a total fan-girl but I really cannot recommend them highly enough

    Comment by Sweetness&Light — July 13, 2007 @ 3:18 pm

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