Album Sun May 09 2010

Album Review: Sonoi. Plus CD Release Show 5/14

By Aharona Ament

Don't put Chicago band Sonoi in a box. There isn't a check for them. When listening to the band's debut self titled album more than a few genres flow to mind. Coming from an already rich musical background the band contains Adam Busch and Ryan Hembrey of Manishevitz. They continued the musical relationship adding drummer Pierce Doerr. Together they made an album that could be a soundtrack to a really cool film. The sounds they create are as diverse and complex as life itself and looks beyond the confines of particularity.

They went with what they do naturally and made some sweet music. You really have to respect a band with the confidence to make music that isn't single genre minded. Although there is merit to sticking to something that defines you and who you are, there is also something nice about getting a wide range of influences within many textures. Sonoi has a sound so milk and honey rich you feel you could bathe in it.

Blending elements of noise along with common musical structure they created songs piece by piece with lyrics being purely ornamental in the cascade of sound that the band produces. You hear sleigh bells in one song and twisted effects manipulation of a stress ball being worked at the end of a slightly Television sounding song called "Eva Baton" that sounds like wind chimes.

The opening track "Red Ants" starts out like very gentle, almost spa music like and then blends in to a soft explosion of reverb-licious vocals and rhythmic drumming all being led by a comforting guitar line. The experiment in sound continues with the next song, "Clouds" which begins with tapping on what sounds like metal pipes. Strong guitars join in along with gentle vocals that provide a stabilizing factor through all the different elements.

Just when you thought you were in the middle of enjoying pure experimental music the band throws a what factor and gives us lovely pop with "Sherry Fall". Other fun tracks that measured in the same catchy hooks were "Eva Baton" and "The Cat And The Barbie".

"Anchor Tattoo" is the stand out track on this album with 11 minutes of atmospheric bliss. If you want to take a time out after a busy day or just need to leave your body for a little bit this song is highly recommended for all your disassociation needs. I tried to count all the different sounds I heard in this song until I just had to succumb to it.

The album ends with "Friends In Dry Places" an anxiety provoking instrumental track that very quietly blows your mind. This was a great track to end the album with pure post rock. It could be interpreted as an ode to the very Chicago sound, but I believe that they were just making music they thought sounded awesome, and if this is the case, I can't help but to agree.

You can check out the band when they play a CD release show this Friday at the Empty Bottle. David Daniell and The Lonesome Organist join in on the celebration. The music starts at 10, doors at 9:30. The Empty Bottle is located at 1035 N. Western Ave. (773) 276-3600