Solstein is not your typical 2020s fusion affair. A lot of inspiration has been taken from the funkier, more melodic end of the spectrum, with the band name-dropping The Crusaders, Idris Muhammed, early Bob James and 70s Herbie Hancock. Given some of the member's prog backgrounds, there are also echoes of the jazzier side of prog, like Camel, Happy the Man and some of the Canterbury scene bands. Holm-Lupo and Carlock's shared love of Steely Dan also shines through in a number of tracks.More than anything, though, Solstein is a playground for the musicians, where everyone was given free reins to do whatever they felt the music needed. If it put a smile on everyone's face, it was deemed right. The result is an album that is accessible yet adventurous, colourful, groovy and engaging.