Souls on Board - Blood Face (EP)
» Souls on Board play last shows before new album - March 29, 2007
Melbourne group, Souls On Board present to the listener as one odd conundrum. Firstly, their name conjures up images of a sixties Motown group while their second EP (the follow-up to their debut self-titled release), is titled Blood Face which evokes thoughts in my mind of a metal band despite the cover art depicting the typical scrawls of a young child. And yet, the group remains loyal and proud of their diversity as they boast in their press release an “…ever-evolving matrimony to beauty and dirt, ugliness and invention, dumb and smart, mind-blowing power and grace.”
The release opens with 'Where The Dance Is' wherein the band display a New Order-like ability to perform a wonderful tune for one to dance to and fuse it with some impressive guitar licks. As the name implies, the dance is right here baby!
Second track, 'Fingers', reminds me of the Red Riders’ 'Slide In Next To Me' as they both mix funky music with English-sounding vocals. Also, the catchy “ba ba bas” in the chorus are reminiscent of Kylie Minogue’s “la las” in Can’t Get You Out Of My Head, despite this track being more alternative sounding as it attacks the subject matter of digits.
The following track, 'The City’s Full Of Spies' is a fast, paranoia-soaked song. It rushes by like an ambulance as the guitars wail and resemble sirens.
The song named after the group is a moody and haunting song reminiscent of Massive Attack’s 'Teardrop'. Containing lyrics describing one dropping to their knees, it induces an image of a solitary, black padded cell.
Penultimate track, 'Don’t Let Them Say It Be So' is sprawling in its reminder that the truth often hurts. The music, while peppered with some melodious notes mostly contains melancholic and bleak riffs akin to the Smashing Pumpkins.
Finally, the disc closes with a panoramic, instrumental epic. It opens with static and quiet ensues like a long breath of fresh air. Some stray piano floats by as a bird sings its own song. The song concludes with church bells in a similar vein to the opening of The Kinks’ 'Big Black Smoke'. And upon reflection, I am convinced I have previously heard this song as the soundtrack to a contemporary art piece/video at an art gallery.
In conclusion, Souls On Board as a group perpetuate many questions. With their eclectic mix of pop and heavy guitar riffs, Blood Face cements their own creative space in music as their songs take your hand and lead you in one direction before suddenly halting and taking you on an alternate route, repeat and serve hot.
