Stream: SOHN, ‘Lessons’

Buzz on November 15th, 2013

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SOHN’s sounds seem entirely appropriate as darkness arrives sooner and the weather gets cold and potentially dreary. Heartbreak, loneliness and isolation seem merely the painful precursors to a creative outpouring for the Vienna-based Englishman, probably resulting in something like “Bloodflows,” his three-song debut for 4AD. That release, in May, saw the accomplished producer and remixer become a vocalist as well, mastering Jeff Buckley’s tortured wail and making a moveÂ many electronic producers are exploring with varying success – emerging from behind the glass with the hope that they might carry a tune, and rid themselves of vocal loops and hired vocalists. His followup single is “Lessons” (out digitally now and as a 12-inch later this month), a swelling web of plucks and chirps centered around a pulsating arpeggio. SOHN matches his music’s tension with vocals drenched in defeat, outlining a period of dark reflection where his inability to end an unhealthy relationship becomes apparent, along with the realization that his downward spiral is far from over. Simple but effective lyrics paint a defeated individual facing the consequences of not learning his lesson, “this time I do things differently,” “this time I keep away from you.” SOHN parallels local artist Baths in that the two share a talent for dark electronica, touching on uncomfortable social dilemmas, but without bludgeoning you with sadness. Their tracks take on a therapeutic tone, with each feeling like a much needed emotional purge. SOHN’s full-length is en route in 2014.