Soma High
I Don’t Know Why
Soma High are a Southampton trio with an atmospheric rock sound. Having formed in 2003 and worked their way to headlining Camden’s Barfly, ‘I Don’t Know Why’ is a three track demonstration of their multi-faceted sound.
The title track explores territory well trodden by Radiohead, with vocals aimed in the higher registers. A dark sound driven by guitars is bolstered by intense keyboards at various points. The lyrics are worthwhile with plenty of restrained anger delivered through an emotionally vulnerable performance.
Recognition takes many forms in ‘She’s Gone Again’, which has more than a touch of Madness in the piano intro with an emphasised accent to the chords that also brings to mind Kate Bush. The verse sees more of a Beatlesy sound emerge while some subtle guitars pick out a simple pattern in amongst the mix.
Finally, ‘Secrets and Lies’ takes an electronic route with an ‘alarm’ intro that continues throughout, swimming behind the simple drumming and atmospheric guitars.
The initial promise of the first track doesn’t entirely find realisation in the two flip-sides, which both lack that initial drive and they don’t find a chorus as distinctly as the opener.
However, it is actually nice to listen to three distinctive tunes that show the flexibility of a band’s sound, so full credit should be given to Soma High for the diversity they have on offer in this recording.
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Written by Fenton on
