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If you think of banging techno or other associated night-time delights when you hear Soma, think again. Part of the reason this Scottish label has become a mainstay is in its demonstrated ability to release a diversity of sounds, across the spectrum of electronica. Soma Coma vol. 2 is a prime example, showcasing a lot of the more mellow, experimental offerings under the label’s belt.
The daybreak melody of downtempo maestro’s Vector Lovers Piano Dust, overlayed with intelligent placings of glitch, was definitely the first track to make me really tune in. Following up with the near deep house vibes of Blue Planet by Chaser, it’s easy to see how the compilation proves electronic music to be equally enjoyable in the daylight hours. Enter stage right the aptly named 6am by Glaswegian genius of sorts Alex Smoke. A track whose personification of the urban in the electronic could ease any commuter onto public transport in a zen state of calm, and off it with the energy to find even eight hours in a cubicle invigorating. The other Smoke track which is included, A Moment To Myself, achieves much of the same, plus glockenspiel. And who can argue with glockenspiel in the morning?
Morning time electronica shifts to evening, as the tracks I would recommend for those travelling home as the sun sets include The Crete that Crete Made, Plain Song, and City Lights From A Train. Squint Shapes by Repeat Repeat will even take you all the way into a peaceful electronically tinted slumber.
However, those who like the aforementioned sounds should prepare themselves for more genre divergences before purchasing or downloading this album. For example, the digital almost descends entirely into analog with the dubstep/reggae sounds of Butch Cassidy Sound System. Then again, chillout is chillout and this compilation definitely covers the bases on that. While I didn’t personally find there to be any ‘dud’ tracks, listening definitely requires an open mind and an attention span that’s willing to wander with the backgroundish nature of some of the inclusions.
For those who associate electronic music with a barely lit room, sweat on the walls and subsequent ringing of the ears, it might be time to give something like Soma Coma vol. 2 a try. Especially if you find 130BPM and rather excessive bass too exhilarating to let you deal with your tram, train, bus, or bike journey to wherever your Monday to Friday nine-to-five takes you.
Check out the tracklisting….
1. Envoy – Prologue 1
2. Vector Lovers – Piano Dust
3. Chaser – Blue Planet
4. Slam – Kill the Pain
5. Alex Smoke – 6am
6. Black Dog – The Crete That Made Crete
7. ‘Life is…’ – Rejuvination
8. Sidewinder – Plain Song
9. Butch Cassidy Sound System – Hear What I Say
10. Silicone Soul – Dreeaming Again
11. Repeat Repeat – Squint Shapes
12. Alex Smoke – A Moment to Myself
13. Slam – Beneath
14. Black Dog – Kings of Sparta
15. Quenum & Lee Van Dowski – Dune
16. Vector Lovers – City Lights From A Train
