Sodasteam
belong to one of the most important musical developments of the
90s. We've all heard about Grunge. This was the other thing that
happened to music at around the same time. Groups like Pavement
and Sebedoah made music a very personal and intense experience in
another way completely to gunge. This was music that just shied
away from everything that anyone might do to be "successful". There
were no "hits", no "anthems", nothing in-your face, just quiet and
sombre reflection. Invariably someone came up with a name, and tagged
it "lo fi". Invariably someone came along and took it to its extremes.
That was Will Oldman of Palace Music fame. His music and songs were
and are so pensive you're afraid he might just implode as you listen.
Perth duo now living in Melbourne Sodastream belong in that world.
Once there was a drummer but now it's just the two of them, on the
surface Karl Smith and his intimate vocals and acoustic guitar,
and Pete Cohen with his supportive double bass. On record they add
gentle colours and guest musicians - viola, trumpet and trombone,
even drums - adding sophistication to what sounds so simple and
raw, but without breaking the mood, or overshadowing the central
all-important atmosphere. Slowly as you listen, entranced by the
mood, the songs begin to shine through. 'Mood In The Bunker'. 'Send
My Love To Those Who Deserve It'. As haunting and unforgettable
as some goddam pop song. But you have to make the journey to get
there. And that's the point of this kind of music. It's insidious.
It's brooding. It's non-threatening. But it's waiting to grab your
soul none-the-less. 'The Hill For Company' is Sodastream's second
album. Although they live amongst us, their music has found fans
all over the world.
Sodasteam
belong to one of the most important musical developments of the
90s. We've all heard about Grunge. This was the other thing that
happened to music at around the same time. Groups like Pavement
and Sebedoah made music a very personal and intense experience in
another way completely to gunge. This was music that just shied
away from everything that anyone might do to be "successful". There
were no "hits", no "anthems", nothing in-your face, just quiet and
sombre reflection. Invariably someone came up with a name, and tagged
it "lo fi". Invariably someone came along and took it to its extremes.
That was Will Oldman of Palace Music fame. His music and songs were
and are so pensive you're afraid he might just implode as you listen.
Perth duo now living in Melbourne Sodastream belong in that world.
Once there was a drummer but now it's just the two of them, on the
surface Karl Smith and his intimate vocals and acoustic guitar,
and Pete Cohen with his supportive double bass. On record they add
gentle colours and guest musicians - viola, trumpet and trombone,
even drums - adding sophistication to what sounds so simple and
raw, but without breaking the mood, or overshadowing the central
all-important atmosphere. Slowly as you listen, entranced by the
mood, the songs begin to shine through. 'Mood In The Bunker'. 'Send
My Love To Those Who Deserve It'. As haunting and unforgettable
as some goddam pop song. But you have to make the journey to get
there. And that's the point of this kind of music. It's insidious.
It's brooding. It's non-threatening. But it's waiting to grab your
soul none-the-less. 'The Hill For Company' is Sodastream's second
album. Although they live amongst us, their music has found fans
all over the world.