What do you get when you pair two talented and experienced creatives together? Solari. Powered by producer and pianist David Baron and drummer and beat programmer Renée Hikari, the project sees them both on sound design plus composing duties and on vocals. ‘Hard Town’ is the duo’s latest effort, a melancholic and nostalgic synth-pop gem with a certain retro flair.
Channelling drum machines and bright synthetisers, deep arpeggiators and intimate vocals, the record fully encapsulated everything Solari stands for. Conceptualized as a fictional character experiencing the highs and lows of a futuristic society, the project represents a visionary and dreamy music outlet for every keen listener out there.
Echoing the likes of M83 and Air, among others, ‘Hard Town’ is a fantastic single, really delving into Baron’s and Hikari’s strengths. Their collective vocals, layered on each other for the entirety of the track, offer a charming solution to an already compelling composition.
Speaking about the lyricism behind the single, the duo explains: “Our main character, Solari, is stuck in a system of commuting (futuristic tube trains) and work. She never sees natural light. Her life is a rat maze that she can’t get out of. Solari feels trapped.”
Recommended! Discover ‘Hard Town’ on Spotify and Youtube, out now on HereandNow Recordings:
