The next volume in NuNorthern Soul’s ongoing Hints of Ibiza series marks another label debut, this time from experienced producer – but first-time solo artist – George Solar.

The Los Rayos Del Sol EP neatly encapsulates the laidback, sun-kissed sound that Solar has been moving towards for some time. A writer, producer and musical collaborator for nigh-on three decades, Solar recorded the four tracks showcased on the release in 2020 and early ’21 in various Ibiza studios.

Although officially George Solar’s debut solo release, all four tracks were co-written,-produced and engineered by Mike Alcaras, the drummer of the infamous Dubtropical Allstars (where George plays percussion)… with the assistance of guest musicians including Peter Bindels (bass, e-bow), Matthias Kamelman (guitars), Rainer Winter (blues harp), Ian “Fly” Harper (trumpet) and Antonio Blakstad (additional keys). Most of the latter also part of the Ibiza based Dubtropical band - which has backed reggae legend Johnny Osbourne a.o. and is working on original material lately, produced by the same team.

It goes without saying that the assembled cast has done a terrific job in realising Solar’s summery sonic vision, which is inspired by a mixture of his love for the sun, a tropical vibe and a desire to make the kind of music he’d like to hear while DJing at sunset.

Solar’s love of bass-heavy, delay-laden dub music is explored on exquisite opener ‘Infrared’, where drifting, dreamy synthesizer chords and sampled spoken word snippets ease us into a hypnotic, spaced-out, dub-wise groove rich in warming bass, head-nodding beats, echoing harmonica motifs and metronomic keyboard stabs.

He gently raises the tempo on ‘Luz’, peppering a shuffling Latin rhythm with jangling Argentinian pampa guitars, lilting strings, sundown pads and gentle electronics. ‘UV’, is a loving tribute to the power of the sun’s rays that gently warms and teases the senses. Rich in hazy, elongated chords, fluid synthesizer lines, glistening guitar solos and gentle cumbia beats, the track is comforting and life-affirming in equal measure.

And to close, and arguably the crowning touch is the mood-enriching sound on the rather terrific ‘Neblina’ which is underpinned by a gentle bossa-nova rhythm, the track’s layered instrumentation builds steadily, with smoky trumpet solos, echoing dub harmonica, jaunty bass and the distinctive sound of blues harp catching the ear. It’s a yearning, emotive affair that’s guaranteed to tug on your heartstrings. All in all, it is a seductive soundscape tailor-made for sound-tracking dazzling sunrises and slow-motion sunsets.

Like the rest of the Hints of Ibiza series, the Los Rayos Del Sol EP comes packaged with bespoke artwork from White Isle-based artist Helen Sadler.
helensadler.bandcamp.com/merch/hints-of-ibiza-torre-de-ses-portes-framed-print-of-george-solar-los-rayos-del-sol-ep-nuns040