Review Summary: I'm gonna let it all go, and fall into you....
I already tried writing this review and it just got deleted when I submitted it. It was the longest review I've ever written. SO, here is a short version of that review, because the hell if I'm writing all that again. Soulstice is a band from San Francisco that came out of the house music scene of the new millennium. Signed to OM Records, they incorporate trip-hop, acid jazz, house, and downtempo into their sound palette. Making some waves in 2001 with their debut album, Illusion, the band would soon go into obscurity.
Let it be known, this is one of the most personal albums to me. The mix of lounge, electronic, and even some breakbeat tendencies really make this album a melting-pot of nostalgia for my brain. It takes me back to simpler days of seeing the Matrix and Spider-Man in theaters, going to Chicago in the early 2000s and admiring the art/ music scene, and playing Gamecube in my spare time. But, this album probably wouldn't have such a strong effect if it wasn't for the impeccable songwriting. This is lush and cinematic sounding music that makes you feel free and alive.
The musicians on here are well aware of the genres they're executing, and they know exactly what they're doing. I can't imagine anyone else except Gina Rene doing vocals on these tracks. And DJ Mei-Lwun has a whimsical and carefree approach to these tracks that reminds me of producers like Satoshi Tomiie. Gabriel Rene and Andy Caldwell hold down the keys and soundscapes, complementing the group's atmosphere perfectly. This is music so good that it sounds like it could be all from the mind of one genius.
I am really obsessed with this album, to a degree I haven't been with other albums that I talk about with non-stop hyperbole. So obsessed, that I made a homemade shirt of this album just so I could wear it around. For me, this is the perfect release for an aspiring musician to listen to. It shows just how good these producers back in the day used to be. The chops are undeniable, these guys have an extreme sense of cool that people in this day and age have seemingly forgot. You probably won't ever again hear breakbeats get this loungey or chilled-out.
The tracks never get too heavy, and always stay in a state of major style. The band knows how to create a chillout session, and here they do it with expert ease. From the sensual wah-wah guitars, to the jazzy Roland synths, down to the funky drum patterns... the group has everything going for it. I like to think of Soulstice as that person you pass on the street who has impeccable fashion. And you just stare at them knowing you'll never be as cool.
