Sofamecca return to release their latest collection of widescreen urban soundtracks under the title ‘Commuters’.
On this new outing we discover a joyfully moody and darkly compelling view of urban life – eleven tracks of lush guitars, unruly beats and precocious synths providing the backdrop for the late night melancholy of tracks like 'There and Then', to the tongue in cheek musings of 'Omar Sharif' and wistful romanticism of 'Saturdays'.
Once again produced and recorded by Sofamecca, 'Commuters' takes the listener on an intriguing journey into their experimental DIY landscape and at times plays like a modern day 'spaghetti western', with several tracks already earmarked for upcoming film projects including the new Australian film ‘Rats and Cats’ from the producers of the movie ‘One Perfect Day’.
For the adventurous at heart, Sofamecca offer another unusual but remarkable release . . .
| Floodboy Records |
Review
With song titles as diverse as the songs on this release…
Sofamecca had humble origins as the soundtrack composers for a Tropfest short film entry in 2002. Needless to say, the film won (it was called Wilfred, for those of you playing at home) and Sofamecca vocalist Jason Gann also took home the award for best actor at the renowned film festival. The film (and soundtrack) go on to feature at the Sundance and Palm Springs Film Festivals. Fast-forward three years to May 2005. Sofamecca finalise and release their sophomore album, titled Commuters. It’s an assortment of theatrical, dancehall waltzes mixed with ambient, atmospherics that tell the story of urban life. It comes as no surprise to discover that several tracks are being considered for upcoming film projects. With tracks such as ‘Omar Sharif’, ‘Ice cream and Bacon’ and ‘Death in Clover’, one could almost devise a plotline to accompany the music. Girl meets boy, girl reveals creepy Omar Sharif obsession, boy has interesting food cravings, and the movie ends with a suspicious but tragic death in a country field. Commuters: The Movie? Quite possible . . .
Ozmusic Project
Review
Commuters (4/5 POPpoints)
Sofamecca return with the follow up to their 2002 self titled debut. Their latest effort, 'Commuters’ is a unique combination of acoustic & electro production, blended with melancholy male vocals. The album still manages to feel uplifting & even romantic in places, with it’s slight edge of ambience. Sofamecca have crafted a unique collection of songs which are sure to see their following rapidly grow.
POPrepublic Magazine
Review
This is Sofamecca’s second album to date and a very intriguing creation it is…
Their musical stance sees them spanning quite a few categories without really committing to any one style. Ambient would be one way to describe some of the themes but their music has delicate layers and far more interest than mere background wash. The song writing doesn’t conform to any established form either, it’s more a series of phrases or statements that are loosely linked, but it allows the listener to interpret it in their own way. This music is easy to listen to without being easy-listening, it emerges out of the speakers and drifts in and out of your senses rather than demand attention, it’s subtle music and would be a good disc to wind down to late at night or to clear the fog in the morning.
Tsunami Music Magazine