Amandine - Solace in Sore Hands [Fat Cat - 2007]I’ve really tried to like Solace in sore hands, as I so much enjoyed the bands first released ep, which seemed to be bringing something slightly different to the country come rock pop genre. Sadly their full length just feels rather washed out and all too familiar. You can hear traces of so many other artists here, with little of their own identity remaining. Sure the song’s are elegantly enough produced and they’ve added more instrumental texture to their sound with some nice banjo, violin and layered guitar work. But some where along the line they seem to have lost the heart and soul of their music, this feels like it could appear on local radio or be played by your folks. Simply they’ve become more of a pop band, which is ok if that facet of their sound that attracted you to them in the first place, but sadly I miss the more heatfelt and honest edges to their music which barely appear here at all. None of the tunes really grabing me above background pleasant enough radio fodder. Rather a let down after their impressive start. Worth a look if you enjoyed well played, but ultimately soulless guitar pop with country leanings, otherwise avoid.    Roger Batty
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