If anything the Smashing Pumpkins have put out since “Bullet With Butterfly Wings” has sounded similar, it’s “Solara.”
The chorus and intro definitely take a similar approach – quiet segments rapidly ramping up to speed. It’s this very balance between hard-hitting sound and gravelly speech-singing that give Smashing Pumpkins their edge.
Clear intent to ‘burn down the sun’ voiced over raw harmonics and delightfully dated rock style… Coupled with Billy Corgan’s singular brand of Cotard delusion, the lyrics definitely keep your interest.
Where “Solara” diverges most from the band’s old mold is in its intricately reimagined rhythm. Unlike “1979,” there are no programmed beats, but there’s a lot of imagination on show for sure.
“Burn down the sun
I’m not everyone
High and dry
Nothing but a body in my mind”
Raspy, revving rhythm guitar and occasionally spastic drumwork characterize this energetic SP release. That and Corgan, cause he’s always a constant in their rather fluid lineup.
Thanks to the drums, in particular, this song takes on an almost death march kind of vibe near the end. It’s savory ghoul fuel in that familiar Smashing Pumpkins kind of way, but it’s not as dramatic as “Zero” was.
I like this track, but I’m not completely blown away. What do you think?