The Soft Underground – Anemoia Album Review
A Jammin’ Time
The Soft Underground’s art-rock LP is a great mix of energetic music that runs the gamut in terms of style. From the jazzy tunes of Petals to the melodic tunings of Thank You, and the somber beauty of Alex’s Song, Anemoia is a solid addition to anybody’s playlist. The composition of the tracks all has a very “worldly” approach, with a bunch of different instruments in the mix. Latin percussion, Eastern winds, and good ol’ American guitar mix surprisingly harmoniously.
While listening to the LP, you could really feel the flat out love for music this band has. If I’d told you bands like Coldplay or Foo Fighters or Smashing Pumpkins made these songs, you’d believe me. It’s like the band just decided “Hey, let’s do a jam session that makes you nostalgic for the 90s and also want to go all around the world at the same time!” and they made it work. The album goes everywhere and doesn’t follow a single notion, but it stills very controlled.
Anemoia is Different but Safe
I mentioned how the band’s music shared many similarities with the sounds of other bands. And I meant it in a good way! But, Anemoia also suffers from this. The album lacks a singular coherent sound, and because of it, it’s hard to really know who The Soft Underground is. That can be a really good thing, in the way the Gorillaz bend and break genres, but it’s a dangerous game to play. Without a specific style, it can be directionless or just sound like copying other bands. And to a lesser degree, the latter problem is present. I wouldn’t say that it plagues Anemoia, but The Soft Underground should consider getting a flu shot.
The only other criticism I can levy against the LP is that the male singer’s voice stays too consistent. He’s got a great voice that deftly switches from smooth to coarse with a near-hypnotic tone. But that’s pretty much where he stays the whole time. It leaves me wanting more from him, but just wanting too much more. A great problem to have as they continue! But a problem nonetheless.
Opening a Can of Earworms
Don’t get it twisted. Overall, I love Anemoia. Voicoder has got to be one of my favorite musical discoveries this year. If I were to give The Soft Underground any advice, it would be to figure out whatever special mix you used for Voicoder, put it in a jar and sprinkle that shit on everything later. It perfectly captures the musical aesthetic the band was going for, marries eastern and western instruments, and effectively uses the singer’s strengths.
My other favorites would have to be The Bullet Train and Alex’s Song. They bother are absolute earworms that you won’t be able to get out of your head no matter how much you try. They’ve got a lot of power, a lot of heart, and just sound fucking great. This is one LP you’ll be playing over, and over, and over again. What else can I say? Go and listen to them!
Other cool articles you’ll enjoy!
Daily Fantasy Sports: Cash Games vs Tournaments and how to slay each
