Delaware Valley’s psychedelic funkateers Solid Bronze released their debut album The Fruit Basket in September 2019 via Schnitzel Records.The album was recorded at a relaxed pace by Mickey Melchiondo (Ween, Dean Ween Group, Moistboyz) at his studio in Lambertville, NJ with additional tracking done by the core band members in their respective home studios. It was mastered by Tom Ruff (James Brown, Lester Young, Screaming Females) for Asbury Media in Asbury Park, NJ.
Solid Bronze’s founding members are Ian Everett and George Miller, who composed these songs as bass and drums duo, using naked rhythm as the focus and cornerstone in the recording process. Miller provided all the drums and percussion and Everett was responsible for bass, guitar and lead vocals.
The songs that make up The Fruit Basket draw influences from a wide spectrum of musical styles. The Funk and Soul from of 70s artists like Curtis Mayfield and Sly Stone loom large in the group’s aesthetic along with forward-thinking Jazz artists like Herbie Hancock and Miles Davis during their respective electric periods. The mellow yet intricate percussion of vintage Reggae and wild guitar expressionism of Rock’s Psychedelic era are baked in as well. More esoteric sources like Arthur Lyman’s exotica and latterday Hip Hop productions also helped mold their final sound.
Today Glide is excited to premiere the band’s new video for their song “Hard To Keep The Faith,” which immediately feels timely considering the current mess we have all found ourselves in. Directed, shot and edited by Dane Elcar, the video was filmed on the mean streets of the band’s hometown, Trenton NJ. With the band’s electrifying brand of funky and psychedelic soul music as the soundtrack, the video pays tribute to the Blaxploitation cult films of the 1970s. Laced with brass and saxophone along with an effortless swagger, the song exudes the kind of retro cool of Daptone Records acts. Prefaced with the voice of a radio DJ urging everyone to stay cool in the face of hard times – a message that resonates painfully well – the video showcases a fashionable young dude wandering the streets of Trenton amidst a backdrop of protests and more sleazy street activity. By the time he makes his way onstage to join the band on saxophone at John & Peter’s Place in New Hope, PA – home to Dean Ween’s (who also produced the record) weekly jam sessions – the chorus feels like an anthem for all of us.
WATCH:
