Super Sol Nova Vol.1 by The Family Stand: A Retro-Futuristic Groove Odyssey
Alright, let’s get into it. Super Sol Nova Vol.1 by The Family Stand is one of those albums that sneaks up on you. Released back in 2013 and bouncing between genres like Rock, Funk/Soul, and Pop/Rock, this record feels like a late-night jam session where everyone just gets each other. It came out in Japan and Europe under P-Vine Records and Go! Entertainment, which might explain why it's got that international vibe—smooth but with a little edge.
Now, I gotta say, the production team brought their A-game here. V. Jeffrey Smith didn’t just engineer and mix; he basically glued this whole thing together. And props to Kevin "Kwiz" Ryan for mastering—it sounds crisp without losing that raw energy. You’ve got John Arnold, Peter Lord, Sandra St. Victor, and others contributing to the writing and vocals, so there’s no shortage of talent packed into these tracks.
Let me zoom in on two songs that stuck with me: “Blazin’” and “In The Name Of What?”
First off, “Blazin’.” Man, this track hits hard right from the jump. It’s got this funky bassline that makes your head nod whether you want it to or not. The groove is infectious, and when the horns kick in, forget about it—you’re transported straight to some smoky club in the '70s. But what really seals the deal is how layered the vocals are. There’s this call-and-response vibe going on that keeps things fresh every time you listen. Honestly, after hearing this, I couldn’t stop humming it for days. Like…days.
Then there’s “In The Name Of What?” This one flips the script entirely. It starts slow, almost moody, with these haunting keys that set the tone. When the beat drops, though, it’s pure soulful chaos. The lyrics hit different too—they’re introspective, asking questions about purpose and identity. It feels personal, like the band’s laying it all out there. By the end, you’re left thinking, “Yeah, what is the name of what?” Wild stuff.
What I love most about this album is how unpredictable it is. One minute you’re grooving to something upbeat like “Highway,” and the next you’re deep in your feelings with “Divided We Stand.” Even the remixes (like “Super Sol Nova (Remix Main)”) bring something new to the table instead of feeling tacked on. It’s clear The Family Stand wasn’t trying to play it safe—they were experimenting, and it paid off big time.
But here’s the kicker: as much as this album rocks, it kinda flew under the radar outside Japan and Europe. Which blows my mind because tracks like “Blazin’” could’ve been massive if given the chance. Maybe that’s part of its charm though—it’s like finding a hidden gem at a thrift store. You know, the kind of thing only true music nerds appreciate.
So yeah, Super Sol Nova Vol.1 isn’t perfect, but who cares? It’s bold, creative, and unapologetically itself. Listening to it feels like hanging out with old friends who still surprise you even after years of knowing them. Oh, and fun fact—I listened to “Blazin’” while cooking spaghetti the other night, and now I can’t eat pasta without cranking it up. Weird, right?
