Seattle natives 764-Hero alongside record label Cascadia Archives will be reissuing a release of the band’s acclaimed EP, We’re Solids, come November 7th. It will be the label’s premiere release for their archives. The EP follows only second in line in the band’s discography. Formed in 1995, 764-Hero is known to be a classic influence for other bands, but they are even more so renowned for their historical significance in building an entire era of music for members of the PNW (Pacific Northwest) music community during their time, enduring a heavy sentiment behind why the release holds such significance for Cascadia Archives.
We’re Solids‘ original release date was in 1997, via Suicide Squeeze. Members of that label came together with Cascadia Archives in aiding in the reproduction and release of the bands beloved EP. The vinyl’s reissue cover features a completely new format of the artwork, including a Polaroid of 764-Hero member Polly Johnson, surrounded and blended within beautiful watercolor artwork, produced by the bands frontman, John Atkins. I can’t emphasize enough how monumental and special it is for the band members to have partook in a role of such eminence in the recreation of this EP. The reissued We’re Solids EP has been limited to just 300 copies, and the vinyl includes remastered tracks, a newly added surprise ending on the B-side, and each record is pressed on a beautiful purple, black, and gold marble color vinyl, all unique to their own and slightly varied with every copy. Every record comes in a poly-lined sleeve, and the covers are hand numbered, making each copy one of a kind in true value. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any more unique, each comes with a replica of a handwritten note from lead vocalist and guitarist John Atkins, describing the place and time for the band’s background during the initial making and creation of the EP, alongside extra artwork produced by Atkins himself. Now, if that’s not solidified customization in its truest form, then you’ve lost me! The release will be available on the Cascadia Archives website starting November 7th.
Almost every track from We’re Solids is a favorite of mine. To witness the reissue of an EP from a time where every release was truly a substance of its own with such influential impact gives me an indescribable feeling of gratitude to see these songs being brought back to life by Cascadia Archives. We’re Solids features a theme of loneliness that I admire and easily relate to. From the get go, the second track, “Wait Until Five,” (you might already see where this is going!), John Atkins starts off singing “And I’m thinking alone but at least I’m alone. At least I’m alone.” By the end of the song he’s then chanting, “And I’m drinking alone, but at least I’m alone. At least I’m alone. At least I’m alone.” I’ve lost count of how many days I struggled once the work grind was over and five o’clock hit, I was right there with Atkins. Locked in my room with my bottle, my thoughts, my dog, and my tunes. The next track, “Sunburnt,” also follows in theme, although this may more so be about time left and spent with someone. Still, I’m able to translate the lyrics with a relatable theme of solitude for myself. Atkins’ lyrics claim repeatedly throughout the song, “Anyway you want it, it’ll get to the point where no one’s worth having around.” In relation to the time of struggles I just described for myself, I was deep in a loop of enjoyable isolation and self-preservation, getting to know myself in ways I couldn’t otherwise, being constantly surrounded by the pressure of others.
My favorite track of the EP is the closer, “Stutter Steps.” There’s a downgraded shift in instrumentals and slower delivery of vocals, making for something really special in association to the tracks title. “Gettin’ over it is overrated. Gettin’ over it is overrated. And you’re drawin’ horns on your polaroid. And securin’ your place with the unemployed.” Again, all these lyrics and the album as a whole are so relatable to a time in my life that set the foundation for a huge period of self discovery for myself, but in cessation also a period of self destruction. It’s the hard times that build us up and make us stronger. I appreciate the honesty and flexible duality of the lyrics, allowing all listeners to gain their own personal take, meaning, and relevance to their very own lives, past or present. These are artists and lyrics hold such deep significance for others to digest during times when they too, feel lonesome and potentially misunderstood and fully detached from others in some way, shape, or form.
It started with a list for founder David Ballantyne of Cascadia Archives. Native to Oregon and currently residing in Portland, David would document a selection of bands and albums he wished to hear later replicated and reproduced – and from there, a dream soon turned into a reality for him. The label has been a year of hard work in the making in building its foundation, although the foregoing thought process and earnest enthusiasm that’s driven the label to premiere itself has been ongoing for far, far longer than that. Impassioned by the influence of early PNW bands, Ballantyne was determined to find a way to reproduce and reestablish vinyl releases for musicians of the region, starting anywhere on the timeline from the early 90s, giving recognition and acknowledgment to some of his most cherished bands of this era beyond a streaming platform or CD release. Ballantyne also expresses an admiration and huge fandom of movie soundtracks- ‘avant-garde horror movie soundtracks’ to be exact. I can definitely relate to the appreciation that goes behind the storytellings of a substantial soundtrack, and this is honestly one of the first times I feel relieved to know I’m not the only one who’s totally gone off the deep end in forming a compilation of my favorite soundtracks!
Upon learning about Ballantynes’ numerous intentions behind the label and unfathomable devotion to vinyl, I truly admired his genuine intent on connection. As Ballantyne acknowledges his deep respects for the top tier, well known artist to pioneer and set the foundations for the Pacific Northwest music scene, he also shares an undying passion to unite music lovers with that band they’ve never heard of. That one band they never knew they needed an open slot for on their shelf amongst their collection. He wants music lovers to rejoice in finding new artists on behalf of his label, to take their own lead and build their own story and history with every one of his labels musicians as he has. I can’t accentuate what a beautiful concept that was for me to discern, and how special it is that we all have our own virtues that lead to every single one of us beholding our own, special story to tell within our connection to music and our lives’ journeys. Stay tuned and follow along with Cascadia Archives through the labels social media platforms or website to find out how you can be one of the lucky 300 to get your hands on a copy of 764-Hero’s, We’re Solids vinyl reissue.
764-Hero’s vinyl reissue of We’re Solids EP will be released on November 7th, 2025 via Cascadia Archives.
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