Fuzzed up guitar sequences are abundant on The Soft Underground’s album Morning World. The duo from the bustling city of New York form alliances with their instruments, crafting dynamic songs which are truly original. By drawing influence from bands such as Smashing Pumpkins and My Bloody Valentine, they’ve elevated and garnered a following of die-hard fans, the project has become successful, and since their start, the act have certainly taken grunge to a whole new level. This isn’t to say the band are a Nirvana carbon copy, they aren’t, but they’ve implemented the style and brash melody to their sound.
Being original is difficult in this fast-paced, dog-eat-dog world. You have to work tirelessly to become somewhat successful, you have to monumentally pull at the coattails of fearlessness to break through. Over the course of Morning World, it’s noticeable that The Soft Underground are playing not for the masses, but for their own unique bundle of fans who embrace their fuzzy sound. The duo have upped their game on Morning World too, a change of pace from their last record Lost In Translation, which was stellar but not as majestic as the album in question.
This is a real statement of intent from The Soft Underground, a classy, gratifying listen. From the start it connects and hooks, it burrows through the mind, captivating with instrumentals and harmonies which, while not exactly immaculate, are raw and punchy. We don’t expect squeaky clean sounds from this act, we expect dirty unkemptness, but with enough beauty to keep it pretty enough.
‘Rachel’ starts the record off with an appealing guitar riff, brilliantly composed, constructed to send shock-waves through even open minds. It’s rough and edgy, but compelling. Time Goes By’ begins with an acoustic influence. It’s a country-style song, sombre and subtle, blended with sincere vocals. ‘Sullen Eyes’ is in the same vein. It delivers a sense of sadness and lyrically it’s wonderfully solemn. This duo are serious wordsmiths. ‘Glasgow’ is a grooved-up contribution, grungy and rough around the edges, while ‘X’ is The Soft Underground at their strident best, loud and unapologetic.
The Soft Underground have truly outdone themselves on Morning World. It’s a collection of sad and fuzzy heart-pullers.
Morning World is out now on Space Mall Records.
