Ian Brown
Solarized (Koch)
Whether owing to a dearth of chemistry or creativity, the chances of lead singers of famous bands cultivating successful solo careers are slim to none. For every Morrissey or Paul McCartney who find chart success, a dozen Richard Ashcrofts or Mick Jaggers arrive to replenish the dollar bins. In some respects, ex-Stone Roses vocalist Ian Brown has given up trying to forge a new legacy separate from his first group. During one live concert last summer, Brown hired a Roses cover band and played a set full of baggy-dance classics like "She Bangs the Drums" and "I Wanna Be Adored," along with songs from his solo career. Nevertheless, his new album finds the lazy-voiced Mancunian immersed in far darker -- and sonically bewitching -- climes than the Roses explored. A feverish tumble of red-eyed menace and sinister beats, Solarized overall sounds like a club night held in a dripping batcave. Although by the end of the album this murkiness becomes monotonous, enough stylistic curveballs -- taffy-pulled fuzzbombs ("Destiny or Circumstance"), flecks of Spanish horns ("Time Is My Everything") and a dizzy, psychedelic Noel Gallagher collaboration ("Keep What Ya Got") -- make Solarized a solid endeavor.
Now Trending
![Fine, I Guess It Is Time to Stop Taking Potshots at Jason Mraz [Update: RIP Zach Sobiech]](http://blogs.riverfronttimes.com/common/assets/700621.75x75.jpg)
-
Voice Places
Find everything you're looking for in your city
-
Happy Hour App
Find the best happy hour deals in your city
-
Daily Deals
Get today's exclusive deals at savings of anywhere from 50-90%
-
Best Of...
Check out the hottest list of places and things to do around your city
- Profile
- Newsletters
- Mobile
- Logout
