WINTER SOLSTICE

Known for his work as lead guitarist for the Neal Morse Band, Eric Gillette has in recent years put out releases such as this one, Winter Solstice (2019), a light-fare seasonal concept, followed by the song cycle A New Day (2020). Given the focus, I was wary of potential enjoyment, and it needs to be said right away that these are a(n apparent) departure from the norm [I've not heard anything outside of the NMB by or featuring Gillette].

This wintery EP begins with "Snowfall", causing me to agree with Discogs' estimation of 'Stage & Screen' for these releases. A single piano is married to swelling strings and a pulsing, though calm beat. I mean, it feels like that "Feather Song" from... uhhh.... Forrest Gump. For these tracks that are admittedly fine, and in their simplicity are well-performed, etc., yet have (in their simplicity) nothing much to offer (especially in the way of progressive ideas), I'm giving individually a rating of 1.5/5.0 [I wonder what the straight album average is going to be /s].

Next is "Winter Solstice", a soft, yet somewhat tense number with some tasty chord choices, I have to admit. I expect the remainder of the release to follow the standard of "Snowfall". And thus far, it's acoustic piano and strings. Not bad. Moving, even lovely at times. But what is there to say? Bringing a little more drama to the table, we get a return of thumping percussion on the far more positive "Mountain Song". Nothing more to add, really. Finally, we have "Frozen Tundra". We return to a more solemn feel here, all brought low and softened. The string accompaniment and other flourishes under the hood do provide something moving, I would like to say. This is stronger still in the second half, with added percussion and a new melody introduced. I'm wary to admit now that this is in any way exceptional to the whole, though. It isn't.

Plenty of loveliness, sure, but I have a feeling the majority here aren't going to have a lot to pull from or say about this release. If it hypothetically had much else to provide, this True Rate may be different, and therefore may even have been a round-up. Not the case...

True Rate: 1.5/5.0