Soft Science offer us “Sand”, their fifth album, and once again prove why dream pop can be so damn addictive. Across these ten songs, the Northern California band creates a beautiful mix of shimmering guitars, dreamy vocals, shoegaze textures, post-punk energy, grunge aesthetic and strong pop melodies. The result is an album that sounds atmospheric and emotional, but never loses its momentum. From the opening moments, “Sand” pulls you into its world. There is a constant feeling of movement, as if the songs are floating forward while the guitars create waves of sound around them. The twin 12-string guitars are especially important here, giving the album that bright, hazy character, while the rhythm section keeps everything on the go. The synths and electronic touches add another layer without taking anything away from the songs themselves. “Spinning” is a fantastic example of what Soft Science do best. It has an infectious rhythm, beautiful vocals and guitars that keep building around the melody. “Understand” is another highlight, with a more uplifting feeling and a strong Lush influence. Then comes “Fade”, which combines a steady danceable pulse with dreamy vocals and a more reflective mood. These songs are catchy, but they also have real emotional weight. What I really like about “Sand” is that it does not stay trapped in sadness. The lyrics deal with broken patterns, difficult relationships, memory and uncertainty, but there is always some hope hiding underneath. The album feels wounded at times, but never defeated. Soft Science have clearly pushed their sound further, especially into noisier and more expansive territory, but they never forget the importance of melody. “Sand” is hypnotic, energetic and surprisingly uplifting. It is the kind of album that gets better with every listen, revealing another guitar line or melody each time. You’ll soon find yourself addicted to it!
♦ 8/10
Dimitris Zacharopoulos
