E.P. Review: Final Coil - Somnambulant II
Paul Hutchings
There’s been a lot of noise about Final Coil in the progressive rock world. I’ll admit they were merely a name I’d seen mentioned in the pages of various rock magazines and websites; one you always make a note to check out but never quite get there. So would this release provide the stimulus that is needed to make that final step.
‘Somnambulant II’ is a collection of songs that Final Coil have explored, discovering previous recordings, and explored alternative reflections. A successor to the band’s 2014 release ‘Somnambulant’, this record is a reimagining of works that the band class amongst some of their most remarkable.
For someone new to the band, this taster platter is ideal. Showing the variety and versatility in their music, the album opens with ‘Corruption’ from 2017’s ‘Persistence of Memory’. What is apparent mere minutes into the track is that this is a band whose music follows no set path, blueprint or genre. Opeth main man Mikael Akerfeldt once said that you didn’t need crushing riffs to be heavy and Corruption is an example of that. The tension and subtle flavours that course through this E.P. is such that there is an intensity in each track which is almost suffocating. The electronic edge of ‘Lost Hope (Trip)’ combines with delicate guitar work, programmed percussion and an overall organic track that brings calm and tranquillity. For a three piece, this music is stunningly good.
Each song brings something different. The industrial tinged ‘Waste Yr Time’ raises the tempo, with a thumping beat. This contrasts with the menacing doom-laced ‘Echoes of Corruption which segues into the similarly dark ‘Conviction (Industrial Slaughter)’. The heartfelt ‘Imaginary Trip’ with its melancholic keyboards leads to the finale, an outsider mix of ‘And I’ll Leave’, another song reimagined from their 2019 highly praised ‘The World We Left Behind for Others’.
Final Coil is currently Phil Stiles: lead vocals, rhythm guitar, lead guitar, synths and programming; Richard Awdry: lead guitar, rhythm guitar, vocals and programming and Jola Stiles: bass guitar and flute. ‘Somnambulant II’ is something a bit special. It’s impossible to label them. So why bother. Sit back and enjoy music that has been lovingly crafted and admire the quality on offer.
Hi Paul, this is Phil from the band. I just wanted to drop you a note to say how much we appreciate the time and trouble you took over your review. We were quite blown away by it. As you note, sometimes finding a new band among the sea of new releases can be a bit of a challenge, so thank you for finding us.
Wishing you all the best,
Phil