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7 out of 10
This is only the third LP from a band that first formed in 1996, but the time in between albums has been well spent, the Bristol collective add cello, French horn and a bunch of percussive instruments to the traditional rock band set up to produce some of the best idiosyncratic and unique sounds to come out of the city that also has Massive Attack and Tricky amongst its ranks. It's not a surprise to hear they're part of an art collective called Pull No Strings, even if it sometimes sounds like Soe'za are pulling all of them at once.
'7 Obstacles' is an intelligent record and the songs are not always easily accessible. This isn't the case with 'Don't Bother Coming Home' or 'Ladislav Novak' mind, both of which are as urgent and ansty as a jazzed up Fugazi but with better beats for dancing. The latter is about the experimental Czech poet and surrealist artist and he'd probably approve of Soe'za's ambition. Further dancing (Of sorts) can be attempted with the fiddly, parping, Sonic Youth-meets-Talking Heads alt. rock of 'Use Of Globes' and 'Silver Runners'' fabulously warped skank that develops into something grander. Soe'za possesses an urgency and restlessness that is lacking in many experimental bands that dabble in post-rock, math rock and noise, although singer/percussionist Jenny Robinson brings some order. Her husky jazz singer voice occasionally sounds like Regine Chassagne, and when the cello and horn are come in during low-key moments further comparisons to Arcade Fire can be made.
Not that they're immune to wandering off. 'Talking To The Back Of His Own Head' takes the same twitchy riffs round in circles, while 'Beauty And Brains Give Me The Edge' and 'The Roast' are so laid back they're practically lounging. It's clever, but Soe'za are at their best when they think with their feet.
Listen: www.myspace.com/soeza
Tracklist:
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
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