With its ranks including former members of Caspian, Constants and Junius, US “doom pop” purveyors SOM return with their third album – ‘Let the Light In’. While past releases saw them dwell on the darkness of the world, this new eight-track collection aims to be introspective, as the quartet seek solace and reconciliation from themselves and others around them. It also sees the line-up be reconfigured as Justin Forrest moved over to drums to replace the departed Duncan Rich. While singer Will Benoit swaps guitar for bass.
On the surface, this is achieved by producing a melancholic series of songs. Opener ‘Don’t Look Back’ quickly establishes this. With its cinematic space rock tone, Benoit, Rich, along with guitarists Joel Reynolds and Mike Repasch-Nieves are able to lift listeners up, balancing cathartic vocals with edgy guitars.
One characteristic SOM are clearly capable of pulling off is being able to create impressive soundscapes. The blend of Benoit’s ethereal vocals and rich musicianship, drenched in shoegaze and post-rock, often leaves you compelled. The hat-trick of the title track, Chemicals’ and ‘The Place That I Belong’ are the perfect example of this. ‘Let the Light In’ ebbs and flows with metallic guitars and Benoit’s soothing voice, building to a wall of reverberating guitars. ‘Chemicals’ buries itself with pensive guitars before picking up for a soaring chorus, showered in lyrical doubt. “It feels like I’ve lived myself into a corner, Now I can’t see myself in the mirror,” sings Benoit loftily. ‘The Place That I Belong’ flourishes in its shoegaze skin, shimmering with droning guitars and whispered vocals.
In contrast, ‘Give Blood’ launches with intent, emphasising SOM‘s post-metal tendencies. Its rigid execution gives way to a cathartic chorus (“I’ll find a way to focus on the healing”). The quartet’s scope and capabilities flourish with confidence. As a listener, they constantly leave you drawn in. Likewise, ‘Nightmares’ is a riveting highlight with ringing guitars floating above Benoit’s harmonious vocals, collectively showing their melodic flair.
Threaded together with catharsis, ‘Let the Light In’ is a layered, commanding record that more often than not leaves you mesmerised. Even though they’re not breaking new sonic ground, SOM streamline their sound. It results in them finding solace in a celestial tone, while lyrically exploring their purpose and morality.
‘Let The Light In‘ by SOM is released on March 14th on Pelagic Records.
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