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Soon - Vol. 1

Label: Temple of Torturous records
Format: CD download
Released: 2016
Reviewed By: Jack Mangan
Rating: 8.5/ 10


What do you get when you cross Puscifer with Helmet? (Don't visualize it literally) Throw in some folk, some 90s rock n' roll, and some Zeppelin, especially the Bonham-esque drums, and you have something like Soon. That's the band name: Soon. I have no idea what it means. The 8-song album, simply titled "Vol. 1", starts with ‘We Are On Your Side’, a raw, catchy, deliberate stroller that will have you singing along with the chorus before it's done. It's a great, bold introduction, and I think it'd have an underdog's chance of gaining traction, if rotated in mainstream rock radio.

 

There's no quality drop-off on the remaining 7 tracks, to the pleasant surprise of us jaded types. Their unflashy, keep-it-simple structural approach complements the songs and keeps the listener engaged, because there's a wanderlust of tone and feel that keeps things interesting. Crusty distorted power chords, strummed acoustic guitars as rhythmic devices, big banging drums, the absence of drums on one whole song, simple, tasteful leads, big-hearted, hollered vocals; from track-to-track, you're kept on your toes, and eager to hear what's coming next. OK, I think it's far enough into the review now to safely say this without prejudicing anyone: There's a powerful 90s Grunge influence to the Soon album, which is actually one of its greatest appeals. It's good to hear a contemporary band dabbling in the same domains as classic Pearl Jam/Mother Love Bone, Screaming Trees, Soundgarden, and the rest of the flannel brigade. The opening track will keep you coming back, but other highlights are ‘See You Soon’, ‘Datura Stramonium’, and ‘Vol. 1 Rise’.

 
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