The Bridges EP by Via Coma is a delightfully quick little foray into the field of experimental rock and the studio debut of Lafayette, California-based Via Coma (meaning “by way of sleep” or “to travel through sleep”). The group delivers a textural, sensual sonic experience while still managing to avoid sounding too soft or unaggressive over the course of the EP’S five tracks. The solid opener “Turn” offers the most textural sounds on the album, while “Aquanota” is a slower, more contemplative follower that provides a perfect canvas for the chilling strains of “I, The Sovereign”. “Charlotte Parker” goes through several strange rhythmic permutations that may seem a bit distracting to the song, but ends on a more tired note, allowing for the calm intro to the brilliant “Architects”, arguably the album’s strongest song. “Architects” makes good use of falsetto and repetition, features powerful lyrics, and truly makes the EP complete.
While the songs of Bridges may seem to sound similar to each other at many points, each has its own enjoyable details and its own distinctive mood, separating this album from many of the single-dimensional albums that smother the industry at present day. One could also argue that the lyrical themes and the way in which they are presented are inexcusably pretentious, and I would have to agree, but to enjoy this album, you must embrace the pretension and simply listen.
Best Tracks: “Turn”, “I, The Sovereign”, and “Architects"
".? You douchebag.
ReplyDeleteShhh.....
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the wonderful review, we're glad to hear that you like the CD!
ReplyDeleteThe blog you have set up is very well put together :) If you don't mind me asking, where are you based out of?
Much love,
Cameron and Via Coma
Thanks, Cameron! Actually, most of us are based out of the Santa Rosa-Petaluma area of California. I'm actually the drummer of one of the bands that opened for you at the Phoenix a few months ago (Blys), and I couldn't resist buying your demo after hearing you guys play.
ReplyDeleteThank you, that means a lot!
ReplyDeleteI remember exactly who you guys are, that was a really fun show! We would like to come back up to that area and play with you very soon, would you be at all interested in helping us set up a gig? We would be more than happy to return the favor for you guys down here :)
Let me know your thoughts and keep up all of the great work!
Always,
Cameron and Via Coma
Thank you for the offer! We'd be happy to open for you again, but our band is currently in a state of tumultuous separation following a pretty major line-up change, which means we have no material. Like, none. So while we can't really open for you this summer, we'd love to once we're back on our feet again! In the meantime, if you want to play the Phoenix again, I'd be happy to try to set something up!
ReplyDeleteMuch love, and by the way my name is:
Avi
Drummer for [Insert Non-Existent Band Name Here]
Avi-
ReplyDeleteGood luck to you and the band. Is there an email address I can contact you at?
Ours is viacoma@gmail.com, so feel free to respond to that account :)
-Cameron