Elf Freedom: Solstice (Twisted Flowers) Album Review

Reviewed by Harry Kaplan

Yes, this is truly an album review since I actually have a tangible album in my hand. A beautiful album at that. A gorgeous yellow and orange marble design that is eye candy to accompany the ear candy. There is still nothing like holding an album. Maybe it’s nostalgia, but it’s different than any other musical medium. I admit it, I wasn’t exactly faithful to vinyl. I courted CDs for many years and then entertained MP3s. But after all of those superficial relationships, I am back together with LPs. And the second time is the charm and I promise never to stray again.

The opening track, Treasure Underground, sure reminds me of a Velvet Underground song from their early years. I wonder if the “Velvet” in the title is intentional. The long, repetitive jams and the soft vocals that seem to melt into the instrumentation is what really gives me that Velvet Underground feeling. This absolutely has a more melodic and gentle sensibility, more like an endless, soft, and oh-so-comforting pillow. While the song is over 10 minutes long, it really doesn’t feel a bit over five. Time really seems to speed up, creating a compelling auditory experience that transports me to another realm.

The transition into the following track is seamless. The structure of the album is definitely by design and tells a very intricate story. Each song flows naturally into the next, maintaining an ethereal quality. Treasure Underground just glides effortlessly into Invisible Communication. I find myself lost in the soundscapes crafted on this track, with layers of instrumentation that unfold gradually, revealing new discoveries with each listen.

This album delivers a refreshing take on familiar themes, marrying nostalgia with contemporary sounds in a way that feels both authentic and innovative. It evokes emotions and paints vivid imagery, making it an album I will play frequently. Each spin reinforces my commitment to vinyl. I look forward to sharing this journey with others who appreciate the tactile pleasure of a physical album, blending the visual aesthetic with the rich, immersive experience of sound.

Listen and buy Solstice here