The mighty Soma has built a formidable reputation for roof-raising, relentlessly innovative electronic dance music in its 18 year history, but honchos Slam and the constantly-evolving roster have always kept in mind that, after the club’s over, front rooms and back bars beckon, requiring a more chilled, horizontal-friendly soundtrack. The Soma Coma series has proved such a success that they’re into the third volume, this time delving into more reflective, emotional stratas, producing a set of timeless, often dark, beauty, with tracks plucked from albums and b-sides from the last 15 years. Alex Smoke sets the scene for a succession of pastoral beauties from Slam, Vector Lovers, the spine-chilling Black Dog, sublime Silicone Soul spinoff Mirror Music, Skintrade [gorgeous 1994 b-side ‘Psalm’], Octogen, Percy X vs Andrew Weatherall [trading as Bloodsugar], closing with the bollocksed waft of Stuart McMillan and David Holmes’ ‘Total Toxic Tranquility’. That could say it all except the realms chartered here stretch much further than post-whoopee comedown soundtrack, transcending ambient to brush anything from cinematic sweep to modern classical. Lie back and enjoy it.
5 Out Of 5
Reviewed By: KRIS NEEDS
