Sounds Of New Soma - 2023 - Fluxus 2071 [mini-review]

(42:11; Tonzonen)

German band Sounds Of New Soma are out with the album "Fluxus 2071", and progressive rock is probably the best manner in which to define the landscapes explored on this production. It is to the electronic realms of the progressive rock universe we are headed on this occasion, and one with a distinct sound, mood and atmosphere too. The compositions here will by and large combine a few different elements and traditions in a few different manners. We get the uniform mood and presence from ambient music, but more often than not with more insistent and cutting sounds than we generally find in ambient music. The repetitive patterns from the krautrock tradition is something of a staple throughout, and as subtle currents underneath we get various instrument details that adds a little bit of the momentum from the space rock tradition. A liberal array of futuristic sounds, effects and textures defines this album as a cosmic endeavour, bringing in likely influences from the creative and expressive progressive electronic music environment where many German have been among the more influential over the years. With a little bit of saxophone added in here and there. And while there are many possible German references to be made here, I can't help but think that a composition such as the concluding 'Tannhaeuser Tor' comes with a few references to Vangelis and Blade Runner, both due to the name and some of the sounds and effects that are used in this specific song. A production to seek out by those who tend to enjoy some of the more accessible varieties of progressive electronic music.

Olav "Progmessor" Björnsen, December 2023

Links:
https://www.soundsofnewsoma.de/
https://www.tonzonen.de/