(Dismal Niche, 2017)

I’ve had them – visions, you know. Solid Waste has had them – Nate, Josh, and Mario see the possibilities of what could be and reflect those visions back to us as sound. Visions is the result – Visions seeps into your body and your bloodstream, constantly slapping your reality upside the head with the possibilities of a better tomorrow. Let’s follow Solid Waste’s lead and push toward a better tomorrow, shall we?

Solid Waste’s visions of a better tomorrow come smooth and clean, packaged in propulsive synthwork and crisp drumming, an approximation of their krautrock forefathers who are surely an inspiration here. The sound is buffed to a perfect metallic sheen, whether it’s the lengthy ambient buildup of “Kühle Flöte” or the Neu!-like sprint of “Infinite Runner.” Even the Bucephalus bouncing “Fields of Bliss” comes together in a rhythmic harmony that’s as gentle and unassuming as its origin is chaotic. In Visions maybe we see a future world where humanity and technology live side by side in harmony, completely free of animosity. (Although judging by the adobe-like huts on the album’s cover, the future may be more naturally inclined.)

It’s hard not to get caught up in Visions’s gorgeous recording and riveting progression, as it’s overwhelmingly and constantly a feel-good hit of slippery adrenaline, like you’re luging down a metallic track without friction, held just above the surface by electricity or some far-off tech that’s going to make crude oil obsolete or something. Point is, Solid Waste doesn’t mess around, they say what they have to with their instruments and have a great time doing it. That we get to share in that, ahem, vision is a spectacular treat.

The band’s debut LP is limited to 300 copies and is available right now from your friendly neighborhood Dismal Niche!