Duo, BONES UK, Bring Back Boldness With Second Full Length Album SOFT:
BONES UK are an unapologetic, straightforward and powerful force that are returning to the scene with their second full-length album ‘SOFT’. The duo have crafted an eleven track album, that's loaded with melancholic tones and empowering lyrics. After their debut, self titled, full length album, five years ago, it was intriguing to see where BONES UK would take their sound. Returning with ‘SOFT’ brings them back with all the same bite, dark instrumentals and a journey of seductive rock.
Alluring riffs make for the opening of the album, something that isn’t uncommon throughout ‘SOFT’. ‘Bikinis’ is the first testament to individuality and self-love. This track is moody and drawn out vocals accompany the gloomy instrumentals. The album moves into a punchier, forthright track ‘Me’ which carries these themes forward.
‘Dopamine’ is a track that gripped me and is certainly a stand out on ‘SOFT’. Clearly having a considerable focus on production it adds a unique and dystopian feel. This track adds more of a diverse sound to the album that BONES UK pulls off well. Industrial, grainy and distinctive.
Moving into a driving beat, bass heavy and buzzing guitar riffs ‘Won’t Settle’ gets you wanting to move, capturing you easily. Joined by Mike Shuman from Queens Of The Stone Age, the considered instrumental timing elevates the song. Audio panning is just another way ‘Won’t Settle’ becomes an experience combining snapback lyrics to defy social pressures.
A slower tempo comes for both ‘Knee Deep’ and ‘Us’. These both appear ominous through their moody hooks.
A carnal energy is bought with ‘Teeth’, through daring, captivating lyrics. Not only are the repetitive lyrics catchy, utilising a gripping bass pedal, adds to this memorable addition.
Another longer track from the album ‘Blood’ incorporates unexpected, stop start, powerful drum fills. It explodes with a mighty guitar riff, a drum roll and an undercurrent of raw vocals towards its end.
Ending track ‘What if I died’ is instantly immersive. A collection of distant voices are ghostly and ominous. This slower acoustic sound is an interesting way to finalise the album. Haunting, layered vocals are emotive and sorrowful. This ending rendition radiates finality. The lyrics ‘if I died today, would anything change?’ leaves you with a profound rhetorical question as the album comes to a close.
‘SOFT’ takes you through modern rock, classic rock and roll and electronica. It's not shy with its range of influences and allows you to experience a blend of bold production choices. BONES UK expertly establishes a mood, with a theme of defiance setting up the tone for ‘SOFT’. BONES UK effortlessly switches between both defying the norm with empowerment of loving yourself as well as thinking for yourself.
If you are looking for a rich album loaded with raw vocals, electronic beats and a testament to valuing vulnerability then ‘SOFT’ is ideal.
‘SOFT’ is out on 13th September via Sumerian Records, make sure to check it out!
