Doomed Confessionary: Chris Neal (Solars)
Photo by Adam Bennett
Solars is an instrumental post-rock/post-metal quartet hailing from Birmingham, UK.
The band attack with riffs from every angle on their debut album masterclass, »A Fading Future«, released on September 6th, 2024 via Ripcord Records.
Building from three promising EPs comes Solars debut album »A Fading Future«. Tightly knit from seven blistering and dynamic tracks, Solars present an energetic workout for the ears – a galore of choppy drums, off-kilter rhythms, chunky riffs and textured guitar leads. The Birmingham, UK based instrumental post-rock and metal quartet have crafted a fine tapestry woven from blood, sweat and tears. A fulfilling listen that expertly balances high action musicianship with dreamy and sombre passages, exploring varying levels of looming fear, self-depreciation and personal woe.
Solars are Chris Neal (guitar, programming), Keiran Roberts (guitar), Andrew Lee (bass) and Jack Jeffries (drums, samples).
Can you say a few words about your band?
We are Solars, an instrumental, post-rock/post-metal band from Birmingham, UK.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Covid presented many issues, but the biggest we continuously face is competing with so many other amazing bands which are out there. Each person only has a limited amount of money for tickets or merch and there’s some amazing bands out there such as Fort, AV Sunset, Jeremiah A.D, Axiom, Vanitas, Eradikator just to name a few!
What can you be most proud of so far?
That after 8 years as a band, each year has been bigger and more successful for us.
What was your biggest regret?
I’m a firm believer in no regrets. The mistakes we make built us into the band we are now and whilst I’m sure we’ll make many others, we’ll learn from them!
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
We toured twice in 2022 and both were amazing. We played Southampton, Bristol (twice) and Birmingham and it was great to see so many people turn out for us and buy merch. We have 2 tours planned for the first quarter of 2025. More TBA
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
How much people are will to and want to support music. We’ve had so many kind words and people who will buy some merch because they just want to support us.
Photo by Ellis-Hudson
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
I’m listening to a lot of the heavier side of post-metal at the moment. Bands like Junkan, Cult Of Luna. Russian Circles is always in my rotation though.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Not everyone is going to like what you do. Try not to take this personally and focus on those who do support you.
What are your guilty pleasures?
I do like a cheeky well written Pop song. They’re sometimes quite catchy so they stick in your head.
Can you say something more about current music scene in Birmingham?
Birmingham is in a wierd place. Most people know it as the home of metal. But in recent years the scene hasn’t been amazing for rock or metal music. It seems to be on the up more recently though with increase in ticket sales to shows, even with cost of living.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
In 2024 we have 2 shows left. We’ll be playing with The Grey and Iran Iran on 18th October at The Rainbow in Birmingham. We’re also fortunate to be supporting Alpha Male Tea Party at The Flapper on 3rd November. After that we’ll be doing some writing and recording to take us into 2025. We have lots of shows booked for 2025 already.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
To continue to grow and build what we’ve done with our most recent album »A Fading Future«. The ultimate goal is to perform at ArcTanGent Festival.
How can people best support your band?
Stream, purchase merch/ticket or just telling everyone about us. You never know who your next will be.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Thank you for all the support. We’ve had some people follow everything we’ve done and we’re grateful for every single stream, purchase or even just the time people have given to us.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well