Jakob, a relatively unknown rock band from Napier, New Zealand released their third full-length Solace in 2006. Further progressing on their sonic soundscapes of instrumental rock, Solace is a refined and solid record. Despite their obscurity, Jakob manages to create some of the most captivating songs while marking themselves as one of the best instrumental rock bands during their time.

Oran Mor and Safety in Numbers is where the band finally gets it perfect. Full of delayed guitar and bass chords amidst ambient atmospheres, we’re left to trip inside the music before being pummeled into a perfectly executed climax. Safety in Numbers, probably the most accessible and structured song on the album, is also one of their finest moments. Despite Everything All of the Time being a nine-minute epic, its like laid back movie music. It actually features vocals – if you listen carefully during the climax of the song. What closer Saint lacks in variety makes up for in sheer emotive power. It’s the closest you’ll get to a “ballad” for a band like this.

What’s really impressive is that there are only three people behind this band. Guitarist Jeff Boyle utilizes his delay pedal in the most captivating way in recent memory.