Puma Theory
Sobering Lights
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In the heart of Reading, UK, the indie rock duo Puma Theory has been making waves with their fresh, guitar-driven sound. Their most recent track blends lyrics, capturing depression from an impasse with finding peace in an unexpected solution. The band proves they are a force to be reckoned with in the indie music scene.
When I was collecting music tips for the May 2024 Dispatch, we also included Puma Theory because we ‘Hit & Run.’ It left ‘Sobering Lights’ as a potential candidate for a separate article.
I must admit that ‘Hit & Run’ has been living rent-free in my head for a while, so when I hit play on ‘Sobering Lights’ for the first time, I expected another lodger.
I was not wrong.
It’s All in the Lyrics and Voice
The power the song packs lies – unexpectedly – in the frontman’s voice and lyrics.
The frontman’s voice is unique, easily recognisable, that sort of stuff you call signature. It’s got this weirdly good colour I can’t describe. Its distinctiveness reminds you of Janis Joplin, Édith Piaf, or Robert Smith.
Having a good voice is important, having interesting and relatable lyrics is far more important and Puma Theory boxes that one off as well.
I love the gentle (or brutal and sad?) sense of humour that’s in the first verse, “Breaking news of the day / It never changes around here.” Announcing that things are the same as breaking news is just cool songwriting. However soul-crushing.
What is ‘Sobering Lights’ About?
There is a strongly forged theme of disillusionment stemming from facing the day-to-day grind and the sobering lights dragging you back to the routine – your boring nine-to-five, shitty relationships, or living situation you may not be able to change easily. Possibly, situations that push you into the autopilot mode, pointing at the difference between existence and living.
The solution? Unless you have “Always someone to blame / But never you”, it is finding peace in solitude and, at least temporarily, isolating yourself by switching off, and not just your phone.
I’m getting strong back to the Nature vibes from the song, that’s how I switch off. Hills, forests, and no humans.
Escapism has many forms.
With Lyrics Covered, Let’s Talk About the Sound
Oh, and I love the sound as well – the combo of guitars and drums is always a safe bet and when played this well, it just makes a good song great. In other words, the guitars are rock solid, as is the drumming.
Though not an uncommon intro, I love how a single tune starts the song and uses the drums as rocket fuel to kick things into overdrive… only to slow down the pace. To stay true to the lyrics, and the main theme, and to add to and underline the monotonous atmosphere. It doesn’t mean the song doesn’t change the pace. It does it at the right moments and does it well.
Last Thoughts to Wrap Things Up
I could see ‘Sobering Lights’ becoming an anthem. It’s got everything, from good sound, great voice, and engaging lyrics. The recipe for a great song is all there, all in one piece.
There’s a lot more to the song, though, as it feels subversive at times.
Puma Theory – ‘Sobering Lights’ Music video
Puma Theory – Sobering Lights (Music Video)
Puma Theory – ‘Sobering Lights’ Lyrics
Breaking news of the day
It never changes round here
Always up for debate
But no-one wins around hereTurning off the phone
Putting on the brakes
Deafened by the noise of the day-to-daySo I sit tight
Finding peace in the dead of the night
Far away from the sobering lights
In a place where nothing can keep me downBreaking news of the day
It’s all the same around here
Always someonе to blame
But never youTurning off thе phone
Putting on the brakes
Deafened by the sound of the day-to-daySo I sit tight
Finding peace in the dead of the night
Far away from the sobering lights
In a place where nothing can keep me down
In a place where nothing can keep me downGoing outside
But there’s no-one around
Into the dark
My feet on the ground
Going outside
But there’s no-one around, around, around, around, around, aroundSo I sit tight
Finding peace in the dead of the night
Far away from the sobering lights
In a place where nothing can keep me down (going outside)
Nothing can keep me down (no-one around, into the dark)
Nothing can keep me down (my feet on the ground, going outside)
Nothing can keep me down (no-one around, into the dark)
(my feet on the ground)
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Written by Vinklarek on
