Bones UK
Soft – Sumerian Records
Class act Bones UK don’t have to shout to be heard. Reminiscent of the great PJ Harvey, the duo stride confidently through a soundscape shaped by Motown, classic rock n roll and 90’s electronica, kicking aside sucky societal pressures to settle down, fit in and sacrifice your authentic self. The melodies across ‘Soft’ are, well, often soft. Sure, some songs get spikey – but even then we’re not talking Corey Taylor-on-a-really-cross-day-anger-management-needed levels. There’s just no need. Because these two girls are too slick for that. Their distinctive and subtle vocals gently snarl whip smart lyrics. Self-love and uniqueness celebrating ‘Me’ (‘L.O.V.E. While you do you, I’ll be busy being me’). Disco/electro/alt-pop ‘Won’t Settle’ (‘I won’t settle for anything other than everything’). Spoiler alerts for ‘Knee Deep’ and ‘What If I Died?’ – I’m not crying; you are. ‘Soft’ skilfully and simultaneously makes hearts feel heavy, lifts them up and kicks ass, sending its privileged listeners back into the big bad world better people.
Review By Jo Wright