Album Review: Softsun - Eternal Sunrise
Reviewed by Matthew Williams
When you see the name of a certain musician attached to a band and they release a new album, then you know it’s one that you must listen to. For those people into the desert rock scene, Gary Acre falls into this category, as the inspirational lead guitarist from seminal group Yawning Man, he returns with a second album alongside bassist/vocalist Pia Isaksen with their band Softsun.
The duo is joined by Robert Garson on drums, for six songs that are difficult to pigeonhole into a type, because as soon as you hear the opening bars of “Sacred Heart” you are immediately mesmerised and transported to a musical utopia. The vocals from Isaksen are velvetlike in their delivery, part haunting, part emotional, whilst the composition flows beautifully.
You have that captivating mix of sun-drenched Californian desert landscapes with that of the dramatic Norwegian fjords and they melt together for some experimental music of the highest quality. The songs are all composed by Acre and Isaksen, but Garson adds so much to the music, adding further drama and tension on “Hundred and Sixteen” and “Anywhere But Here”. The idyllic dreamy nature of the melodies are in full flow, as the distorted guitars of Acre work their magic to create expressive soundscapes.
This is a collection of music that needs to be sampled in a calming environment, as the songs are emotive and poignant. “Sleep the Day Away” has a subtle bass line from Isaksen, that protrudes elegantly in a melancholy song, yet it allows space for both Acre and Garson to add their own exquisite touches. Any thoughts you have inside your head quickly disappear, as you are immersed in their world, and taken on a voyage of discovery.
“Abandoned Lands” sees the guitar work take prominence at the start, with the subtle drumming setting a beat that it hard to get out of your head. The dramatic vocals from Isaksen are prominent and her voice carries the song to dizzy heights, allowing Acre to come in and out when he pleases, to produce a touching track.
The sixth and final song, “Cremation Sunlight” evokes imagery of a long drive through the baking heat of the desert, yearning for the cool, clear blue waters to rest your weary body. It’s over 8 minutes long, but one you’ll want to play repeatedly, just to make sure that you haven’t missed out on anything. What this album shows, is that these three musicians have combined to make music that is heartfelt and haunting, whilst being elegant and powerful in equal measure.
