There’s no affection when the the feeling is black
Sparring ‘bout an “eye for an eye” — mythomaniac!
If someone told you it was gonna be this way before
You’d probably just remain as far away as you can evermore
Glasgow-based synth project Soft Riot is a delightful oddity that, thankfully, defies easy categorization. This long running retro-tinged, multidisciplinary, and undeniably imaginative endeavour recently graced us with a quirky and surreal tenth studio album, “No,” back in August. Among the collection of songs, a particular gem shines bright — It Never Takes Long to Say No, a track that waltzes through the cosmos of synth melodies, taking a detour into the land of experimental rhythms.
Imagine, if you will, a sonic collage, one where the influences of Skinny Puppy, Psyche, and Martin Dupont are not merely blended but alchemized into something akin to art-pop gold. Here, the haunting vocals of Canadian expat Jack Duckworth float effortlessly over a carefully orchestrated mélange of synth and percussion, striking a balance between the dynamic and the intriguing.
It Never Takes Long to Say No depicts a struggle against overwhelming nonsense and illogical situations. Despite constant effort, one may feel their energy unreciprocated, leading to a trap of poor decisions and counterattacks. This dark, repetitive reality is likened to a mythomaniac’s tale, suggesting the futility in expecting different results from the same actions. The song emphasizes the ease and importance of saying no to such draining, cyclical negativity.
Soft Riot’s “No.” is out now. The record can be acquired through Possession Records and Wave Tension Records (NL).
Order the album here.
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