Solkyri Delivers A New Record

Solkyri’s Cranebrook is a spacious, emotionally rich release that moves with precision and patience. The Sydney-based instrumental band blends post-rock, ambient, and orchestral influences, creating music that invites deep attention without relying on predictable structures or dramatic climaxes. It’s a record that values tone and atmosphere as much as melody and rhythm, offering subtle emotional shifts rather than obvious payoffs.

“Wherever We End Up Next” opens with a slow build, layering textures until a set of luminous piano chords enters and anchors everything in place. The piece shifts through four distinct movements, each one introducing a different mood. Some passages feel light and expansive, others heavier and more immersive. I was especially drawn to the pacing. Nothing feels rushed, and the transitions land with purpose.

“I Guess I'll Be Leaving Now” paints a vast and otherworldly landscape. It reminded me of crossing alien terrain under an unfamiliar sky. There’s a strong cosmic quality to it, but it eventually grounds itself in something more human. The strings that rise near the end feel like a return to earth, a gentle landing after drifting far from home. That contrast between the celestial and the familiar really worked for me.

“Autumn Mould” stood out for its clarity and emotional depth. The guitar lines are thoughtful and melodic, and the way they interact with the piano creates a kind of quiet introspection. There’s a moment later in the track where everything narrows to a repeated arpeggio, and it becomes meditative in the best way.

“1804” brings one of the stronger grooves on the album. It has a forward energy I appreciated, even if it ends just as it starts to pick up momentum. I found myself wishing they’d let it run a little longer, just to see how far they could push it.

“You Coward! (Shambles II)” returns to more fragile terrain. Strings and xylophone give the piece a delicate emotional core. It carries a kind of melancholy that never feels heavy-handed. Instead of relying on drums or volume to create drama, the band let texture and tone lead the way.

“Where The Quiet Can Hide” closes the album with restraint. It hints at a big, sweeping crescendo, but instead settles into a more ambient, reflective space. That decision felt intentional. Rather than going out with a bang, they leave on a softer, more ambiguous note. It worked for me. It felt honest and consistent with everything that came before.

Cranebrook is well conceived and an album that grows on you in time. There were moments when I wanted the band to dig deeper into their rock instincts, but their focus on subtlety and space ended up just as impactful. It’s a collection of pieces that feel thoughtfully built and emotionally dense.

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