Artist – Souls Extolled
Album: MMXII
Record Label: unsigned
Release Date: 2022
The trio from Austin, Texas comprised of Zach Black (vocals and lead guitar), JP Ortiz (bass) and Joe Valadez (drums). Souls Extolled brings a diverse blend of sounds with influences from indie rock to grunge and ska-punk. They recently released their third album MMXII though in a rather unique way, while the whole album is available physically each track will be released on streaming services the first Friday of every month this year.
The album opens with the track “Sweet Glow”, which begins with a soft rock instrumental, before shifting towards a country and indie rock sound as it builds into the chorus. The song feels very reminiscent of a band like the Arctic Monkeys through the use of raspy vocals combined with a slight Simple Minds inflection in delivery from lead vocalist Zach Black. This is then accompanied by “Ride of My Life”, which again follows in similar footsteps although feels lyrically deeper as it delves into a story of longing for a past love and reminiscing about a relationship.
Afterward comes “Acid Drop” which takes us in a much heavier direction starting with an awesome guitar riff that instantly gets you hooked, before leaping in with Black’s angry gruff vocals. The song is very intense riff-wise but apart from the memorable riff’s feels a little hollow lyrically in comparison to the previous two tracks.
The album progresses, with the track “This Time”, which incorporates a haunting riff floating in the background adding elements of horror punk and brings another noticeable nuance to Zach Black’s dynamic vocals, which are very impactful. This horror theme is also included on tracks such as the more experimental and psychedelic “Fall Into Orbit” which brings a more unexpected tone to the album. Then comes “Never Before” which also includes elements of horror before moving into something more akin to indie.
Souls Extolled certainly like to incorporate many different styles in their music as “Propaganda Song” turns away from horror to ska punk. The song discusses problems around the spread misinformation which has probably been at an all time high in recent years. One track I can’t not mention is the amusingly named “1K Red Balloons”, obviously alluding to the 1980’s hit “99 Red Balloons” a song that that has been covered by may different artists but originally by Nena. However, the song goes down a very different avenue and errs towards ska and grunge although much like the aforementioned track it does include a highly infectious chorus.
Again the band’s use of many different genres is showcased by “Self-Mutilation (Won’t Forget)” blending rock elements and shifting into heavy ska sound which is unforgettable and unique in its own right. I was very impressed by the vocal changes as a song again utilising a different type of vocal performance with “Just Dreams” a somewhat Zeppelin inspired 70’s tune. The album then finishes on “Down To Go” with a wide and expansive soundscape and some more immense vocals.
MMXII has some really brilliant vocal changes and a unique blend through a myriad of different genres. Although I do think it sometimes feels a little all over the place as the themes and style seem to change seemingly out of nowhere. Though that isn’t to say I wasn’t a fan of the more experimental mix of sounds it just feels like some tracks may belong as their own singles rather than on this album. This was an enjoyable listen that really keeps you on your toes not expecting what could come next. MMXXII is now available for purchase at the Souls Extolled website and on iTunes.
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