Solveig's Shadow

“Solveig’s Shadow” Michael Dayvid
Brooding, theatrical indie rock from an astoundingly talented multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter from Humboldt County on California’s Northcoast. On this EP, Dayvid plays rhythm and lead guitars, piano, flute, and tin whistle. He also sings lead and backup vocals and handles all arranging and orchestration. The songs often soar into anthems, reaching almost operatic heights with swelling, swirling strings. RIYL: Evanescence, Shearwater, the intensity of Muse, and Queen at its most melodramatic.
— Francis D.

Recommended: 5, 2, 6, 7. FCC on Track 8.

1. (3:17) Solveig’s Song (By Edvard Grieg, Arr. By Michael Dayvid) — Classical piece by Norwegian composer, Edvard Grieg, from a stage play called “Peer Gynt.” Dayvid’s arrangement features a cello lead with lovely additional flowing strings.
2. (3:51) Pet Names And Profanity (Radio Edit) — Shimmering chamber pop. Guitar interwoven with soaring orchestral runs. Pounding drums. Anthemic male vocals. Searing guitar riffs at the end. ***
3. (3:26) Friends — Strummed and fingerpicked acoustic guitar. Piano accompaniment. Dramatic strings. Deliberate tempo.
4. (4:36) The Enemy Inside — Piano-based chamber-pop. Builds into an epic, operatic anthem.
5. (5:33) The Trails Of Destiny — Lead single. Bright piano and swirling, pulsing orchestral washes combine to create a rock anthem worthy of Queen in the band’s theatrical period. Brilliant! ****
6. (4:04) Infinity (Featuring Georgia Ruth) — Starts as a fragile ballad, marked by Dayvid’s pristine lead vocals with Georgia Ruth’s harmonies. Transitions to swaying pop-rock featuring strummed guitar. ***
7. (4:02) What You Are To Me — Wistful, heartfelt classically influenced piano ballad. Strummed guitar. Lovely cello interludes. ***
8. (3:51) Pet Names And Profanity — FCC: “Bullshit” Unedited version of #2.