review by Rusty Conner

Inch of Dark, like many others, are transplants to the Texas scene, and currently call Austin home.  They’ve been around the scene long enough that Texas will claim them as their own, especially with this long awaited follow up to their last album, Chapter No. 1, which came out in 2011.

Solace finds a sleeker, improved Inch of Dark, and is the culmination of tragedy and triumph.  Without delving into the band’s history in detail, I’ll simply state that the band struggled after the tragic, accidental death of their original bassist, Garrett Parvin, in 2013.

Each track is a well produced representation of the band’s straight ahead Rock N Roll sound.  Though only four tracks, the EP is a great addition to any fan’s collection.  “Hooligan” is Rock N Roll.  No frills, just the tried and true Rock vibe you’d cruise the open road to with the wind in your face.  “The Gathering” is a nod to their Tool influence without ripping off their distinctive sound.  Inch of Dark add their own flare on top of the driving bass lines that give it that Tool-esque vibe.  Jerome’s vocals on the track are a bit haunting, and carry the song along well.  The opening bass lines in “Encrypted Scrypture” continue the Tool vibe, then transitions into a chugging, head nodding riff.  Great tune.   Solace ends with “Shattered Time” has the feeling of loss.  Perhaps this track is a culmination of the aforementioned loss in the band.  A slower song that draws attention to the lyrics; “What’s it take to feel alive?”

Purchase the EP here: Inch of Dark Store