L.A.-based power pop – country-rock duo, Soles of Passion, boast a highly polished product in the eight-track collection (eight total songs, not an eight track folks!) in Escape From Jurisdiction. The running theme of down and out, being the victims of greed and housing foreclosure.
How inspiring, then, to hear warm, melodic guitar riffs and poppy techno music beds. “Say I Will” is one song that starts out a bit sketchy – and it took me a few listens to dig the words. But, I felt engulfed into the wall of synth and warm guitar work. It’s a bit like “Video Killed The Radio Star” minus the talk-sing vocals.
“Wheezy Hissy Fit” is another upbeat offering. “Tax Slave” has a hip-hop bridge like Blondie’s “Rapture.” It felt a little lacking in true hip-hop fever, but still the moment is made. Next up, “A Place of My Own” takes the listener to a feeling of wanting to just have a safeguard, that home base for being oneself. It’s a simple song, but certainly enjoyable.
My favorite track, the title song has this subtle string music bed. The violin is just threading itself throughout the pop song’s quilt where its juxtaposition to the police siren sound is interesting.
“Two By Two,” “Full Moon” and “Lifetime — Father’s Eyes” round out the album. Overall, there is such an difference in music beds in each track that things are much more interesting, but Myla Snow (vocals) and musician Steve Wolfe definitely have a pattern, and a core sound. As a listener, I wanted more depth and should from Snow’s vocals, but I still came away with her deep love and appreciation for the words. I found myself more drawn into the music beds and twists and turns with the instruments alongside Snow’s lovely voice.
Overall, fans of pop and indie rock will find something they like on Escape From Jurisdiction.
