Album Review
Soundpool – Dichotomies + Dreamland
New York based Shoegaze/space rock band Soundpool already started strong with the album “On High,” A delicious dive into the imagination of sound that they have now topped with this second effort “Dichotomies + Dreamland” which is just lush to the core.
“Welcome to Dreamland” opens the album and is a decent indicator of what you are in for. Scored, yet faltering electronics with an echoed background all led with the captivating voice of Kim Field.
The chaotic electronics continue to undermine the pop sensibilities to great effect as the album continues. There are perhaps some obvious influences in their music, but perhaps better than this is a reminder of the kind of music it is they are playing and how good it sounds in today.
“Do What You Love” is perhaps one of the louder and bolder numbers on the album that stands out. It’s a good combination of the soft vocal, distorted guitar and synth backing effects that Shoegaze does so well. But not to pigeon hole the band, their work crosses many borders
“The Only One” is a masterclass of beauty. It swells and tantalises with its teasing electronics and then rousing chorus. The sheer orchestration of this as well as Kim Fields hypnotic voice makes for one of the albums most ingenious tracks.
Just to juxtapose this sound, but equally as beautiful and wondrous is the dream pop “Lush (What Becomes You)” which follows immediately. With music like this it is going to be very easy for Soundpool to garner praise and recognition for their creativity.
This is by far a superior effort to most, and is easily one of the best albums I’ve encountered so far this year. It’s always a joy to discover something that quite frankly exhilarates you.