We all enjoy surprises, don’t we? 2022 has begun stronger than 2021 at this point bringing at least ten new, exciting album releases and we’re just only about to enter the fourth week of the year. But no album has given me the chills as much as SOM’s The Shape Of Everything (Pelagic Records). 

SOM is formed by Will Benoit on Vocals/Guitars, Justin Forrest on Bass (Adai/Caspian), Mike Repasch-Nieves (Junius/Driftoff) on Guitars, Joel M. Reynolds on Guitars (Junius/Driftoff), and drummer Duncan Rich (Constants). A tasteful record that can be described as a combination of heavy, gloom, ultra-memorable vocal melodies with crisp, wholesome cascades of riffs. The album consists of eight tracks that can be perceived like a swift breeze of comforting ethereal sounds. 

Tracks like the opener ‘Moment’ and ‘Wrong’ have some of the catchiest vocal lines I’ve heard in a while, while ‘Clocks’ stands out with its big guitar hooks. Perhaps the track ‘Animals’ conveys all the general ideas of the album in one: catchy guitar hooks, big guitars, and vocal melodies that will convey a world of beautiful melancholy. 

The band is denominated Doom Pop, which is an odd but perfect way to describe the band’s sound. What does it for me is the great blend of post-rock guitar melodies with the slow-tempo rhythm section combined with hypnotic vocals. SOM creates such a unique but familiar collection of sounds that at some points reminds me of my favorite post-rock band, *shels.

I am really intrigued and excited about the future of this band. It is also worth noting that Pelagic Records continue to raise the bar by releasing the best Post Metal music out there and this album is not an exception. The Shape Of Everything is recommended to all of you looking for soundtracks for rainy days. 

Buy the album here: https://www.som.band/

8 / 10

WESLIE NEGRON