Soeza - 7 Obstacles

by Maarten Schiethart

published: 11 / 8 / 2008

Label: Gringo Records
Format: CD

Eclectic, but not entirely successful post-hardcore punk on third album from Bristol-based collective, Soeza

Review

There is this sense of pulling strings which feels both equally comfortable and punky. Initially, Soe'za perfects this trick with superior Fugazi-style Their '7 Obstacles' album comprises the essential ethics of buzz and fuzz in 21st century punk music. Expect brass arrangements amongst others, to collide with 1980's punk music as if the true battleground was a leftfield with punks, indie rockers, britpoppers and art-heads running into each other. On '7 Obstacles' though, you will find Soe'za uncertain of their own destination. Soe'za's lengthy workouts on guitar lead me to believe that a future in punk music might be theirs. In the same way, Soe'za, however, prove to be an acquired taste, and due to the many depunked tracks on '7 Obstacles', all that remains to be enjoyed is second rate Bearsuit stuff on speed. Soe'za's attempts at melodies become increasingly poorer towards the close of the album.

Track Listing:-

1 Swindia
2 Ladislav Novak
3 Foreign Board
4 Use Of Globes
5 Talking To The Back Of His Own Head
6 Beauty And Brains Give Me The Edge
7 Silver Runners
8 The Roast
9 Any Road
10 Don't Bother Coming Home
11 Zaffa The Doberman