As a huge consumer and supporter of underground independent music I am always on the lookout for new talent and I think I discovered the West Australian band Sonica via Triple J Unearthed website. The Perth based four-piece formed in 2019 and comprise of Alan Pettigrew (guitars), Roshan Weddikkara (bass), Slyvain Ayrault (drums) and Claire Turton (vocals).
I played their first two singles on my Daftpom radio show and have been following them since. In May ‘22 they released their debut four track EP titled Inception.
Sonica \\\ Inception EP on Spotify
The EP opens with Places, a jangly guitar number, supported by a rumbling bass line, drums and ethereal female vocals. The music transitions into woozy shoegaze territory as it soars with distorted guitars. The opening song clocks in at 5 and a half minutes so there is no lack of ambition here. There are influences of many of 80’s and early 90’s bands on display on this EP.
Second track Life could be a cross between The Cure and The Cocteau Twins and continues the dream like state that permeates this collection. These songs can be played on a loop and you’ll be forgiven if you enter a trance.
Charmed is a six minute hypnotic tune showcasing the haunting classically trained vocals of Claire evoking memories of Curve’s Toni Halliday and Kate Bush. The lyrics aren’t always clear but this is expected when the vocals are used as another instrument blended into the atmospheric mix.
The final track on the EP is Descent into Blue, a remastered version of their debut single originally released in February ‘21. Opening with Roshan’s infectious bass riff that sets the song’s dark mood. It is an outstanding song which deals with the breakdown of a relationship soundtracked by an epic finale of crashing drums and dirty guitars.
Sonica have released a blinding debut collection and I look forward to future releases from the Perth band and seeing where they go from here. Follow them on the socials and streaming platforms here… http://www.sonicabandau.com/
