Alicia “Restore” Spikes is a graphic artist, hair stylist,founding member of Solace Souls and most importantly she is a survivor.  On June 25th 2017, Openyonated.com had the opportunity to celebrate the release of her first solo project “Repristinate”  We’ve been watching Restore perform for quite some time on the scene even before Solace Souls was officially formed. Her message and delivery have always been powerful and impressive. Restore does a lot of work and it’s normally behind the scenes. She is one of those people who helps to hold things together, those people are always needed in a collective.  When you’re part of a collective it’s easy to get lost in the ensemble but she is a force has not gotten lost while serving in a group. We were excited that despite some challenges Restore persevered and is able to present the world with her project.  Restore’s album gives you a view into her life, she shares her personal stories. The pieces that are included on the project show strength, vulnerability and I believe that women as well as men will be able to relate to some of the lessons that she presents. The stand out pieces on the project for us were #3 “Addicted” and #8 “Cycle Breaker” In this project we see a woman that has been on a journey, been hurt, used, but has emerged triumphantly. Restore is a CYCLE BREAKER!  You can find her on Facebook as Alicia Restore Spikes, on IG as RestorePoetry and of course at Solace Souls Open Mic every 3rd Sunday at the Quarry 2423 East 75th Street Chicago, IL at 7 pm.  Be sure to follow us on Facebook @Openyonated on IG @MrOpenyonated as well as Twitter.