SoftSun – Daylight in the Dark
Release Date: 8th November 2024
Label: Ripple Music
Bandcamp
Genre: Dronegaze, Post-Rock.
FFO: Earth, Yawning Man, Cocteau Twins, Slow Crush.
Review By: Hillary Wisniewski
Formed in 2023, SoftSun is the product of two worlds colliding: the intense deserts of California and the mysterious landscapes of Norway via the talents of Gary Arce (Yawning Man, Fatso Jetson) on guitar, Pia Isaksen (Pia Isa, Superlynx) on bass and vocals, and Dan Joeright (Earth Moon Earth) on drums. Daylight in the Dark is the result of these fine folks getting together and just jamming to see what works, and apparently this approach proved to be fruitful. It only took 3 practices and 2 and a half days in the studio for this album to be done and dusted.
Daylight in the Dark is a most appropriate title; it truly sums up what is happening throughout this album from a musical standpoint. There is a dreary, yet mesmerising quality that lies underneath every song. Isaksens’s bass boasts a formidable tone which, to me, really drives everything much like the lumbering of a large workhorse. On the other hand, there is a lightness that comes through with some of the airy guitar and lush vocals. If it weren’t for these dynamics, I do believe this album would be somewhat uneventful in the aspect that nothing would really set SoftSun apart from similar acts. It would likely be a bit boring as well. These songs plod along in terms of measured, purposeful tempo and beats; I’ve said in previous reviews how some people might find this to be a bit tedious, but it takes chops to pull it off. Generally, I would say this is a band that channels a bit of Earth or Sunn O))), but with the fuzz of My Bloody Valentine and a bit of shoegaze thrown into the mix. I really appreciate SoftSun’s willingness to dive into what makes sense for them and carry it out as they see fit. According to the press release, “SoftSun ́s music is heavy, mellow and dreamy and falls more between genres than in them. The band is only going for what they feel like playing and what they think sounds good. Like their music, the themes of the songs come from the heart and is impacted by honest feelings about life, dreams, hopes and an appreciation for nature from the beaches of Norway to the sunny desert.”
This is one of those albums in which I had to give it several listens to make my mind up on how I felt about it. Upon further reflection, it really had to do with the fact this is a moody sort of album and, as such, not something that was going to strike a chord with me during each time of listening. But apparently all it took was a time change and things seeming a little less bright for something to click. Now that the cold months are upon many of us, curl up with a warm blanket, grab yourself a beverage, and let these sounds wash over you.
(4 / 5)
