GRAHAM HANLON & THE SOLID BOND

Graham Hanlon is an experienced musician who has extensive experience in both the live performance circuit and recording.  He has crafted his skills as a musician and growing as a writer.  He draws a lot of his influences from the soulful sounds of northern soul anthems and inspiration from the early origins of jazz and R 'n' B.  Graham has built a sound that blends many of his influences from Paul Weller to Marvin Gaye.  He has worked with lots of great local musicians with similar passions, which has resulted in a catalog of singles to be proud of.  It is music which reflects on the times that we are living in while retaining an authentic sound.

The debut single 'Hold On (For Better Days)' was written over the summertime during lockdown and lyrically the track is reflecting a positive outlook on the current situation, Graham mentions on writing the song "I remember sitting in my garden with my guitar playing the same two chords over and over, thinking to myself of all the good things we have to see us through this and its important to hold onto this things".  There is a feeling of comfort and reassurance within Graham's voice, laced with warm and friendly tones that open up and wrap snuggly around you and you just feel a sense of hope and joy wash over you.  The instrumentation only elevates the warmth and comforting feeling, with the blend of 60s rock influences and soulful elements.  The gritty texture to the track brings an old school vibe, the crunchy guitar riffs are both smooth and fierce, and hold a slight essence of country rock.  The bass line is so punchy and melodic, carrying a blissfully deep sound, where all the other elements bounce off and melt into it's groove.  The harmonies are full of rich wholesome tones linking well with the jazzy brass sections, which will send shivers down your spine.  The gentle, kindhearted nature of this track entwined with a spirit and a burning fire of hope and passion, it is like a magnet that pulls you in and lifts you up.  It is just hard not to fall in love with this track. 

INSTAGRAM - thesolidbond_band

FACEBOOK - Thesolidbond