Album Review: A.A. Williams - Solstice
Reviewed by Oli Gonzalez
2026 has already seen many some quality new music from some giants in the post rock world. Whether it’s Hammock, Mono, or Plini, there’s no lacking in choice. As such, how can A.A Williams stand out and compare to such talent? Hailing from the Midlands in England, A.A Williams has wowed audiences all over the world, including headline tours in the USA, supporting the likes of Sleep Token, or playing on prestigious festivals like Damnation or Arctangent. Her work taps into a certain emotional fragility that’s utterly endearing, making you feel emotions you weren’t sure that existed previously! “Solstice” aims to be an extension of this great work.
Alex possesses one of the more unique voices within the genre, as she showcases in “Solstice”. Appearing quite delicate and fragile at times – especially during ‘Wolves’ and ‘Outlines’, don’t let this fool you! When needed, she can shift directions and unleash a vocal with a surprising amount of venomous angst! She showcases this during ‘Poison’, a song which leans into a more grunge style vibe. The deployment of this grunge spice can heard throughout the album, perhaps without the walls of distortion that Alice In Chains would be known for, but certainly not lacking in venom or impact!
Lyrics are important, and it feels as though they’re chosen very carefully to help you to follow the narrative in the song. ‘Little By Little’ being a prime example, portraying a narrative of severing ties from a toxic relationship; platonic, romantic, or with a family member, it’s up to you how you interpret it.
A.A. Williams has been described as coming under the ‘death gospel’ genre. Both the violin and piano have been used for centuries to reduce the most stoic of men and women to quivering emotional messes, with bands like Draconian utilising both in their brand of gothic doom metal. Alex understands this, and with songs like ‘I’ve Seen Enough’ and ‘Hold It Together’, she taps into the power of both instruments to produce potent pieces dripping in raw sentiment and a melancholic gothic edge. A gothic edge that’s never lacking in atmosphere and palpable tension. That’s not the only way she can conjure up atmosphere; the cathartic atmospheric bursts you normally associate with the post-rock are seldom used on “Solstice” but when they are, their impact is felt!
There’s no denying it. A.A Williams has forged a path in the fiercely competitive post-rock arena. “Solstice” is complex, sophisticated, and stimulating, representing A.A Williams most mature and refined release to date.
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