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SONOMARIS
"Initium" (Self-released; 2020)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
It's rare that I'll give a band that I'm hearing for the first time a three-guitarsaw or higher rating—especially when I'm reviewing an EP—but "Initium" by Sonomaris has hooked me since the first time I listened to it.
A highly atmospheric combination of Tool, Pink Floyd and other bands and genres, "Initium" is a completely absorbing experience. As rich in its performances as it is in its production and songwriting, "Initium," even with only six tracks and a running time of just over 27 minutes, is a complete musical journey. This EP will flow over you and envelope you in a way that is astonishing but welcome.
None of the six songs here are fast-paced or heavy metal (although there are heavy metal influences throughout) but they'll pull you in immediately anyway. Two of the tracks are instrumentals, lead-ins, really, that are less than two minutes long. The remainder feature some thought-provoking and surprisingly mature lyrics, delivered with vocals that are solid and sober.
Sonomaris are one of those bands that defy categorization and I'm okay with that. The word progressive seems to apply and I'm all right with that, too. Categorization doesn't matter, anyway. The bottom line is that "Initium" is so good that I'm on my way to hunting down the band's previous release as I write this. That should tell you all you need to know.
For more information, check out https://sonomaris.com/.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2020 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
