SOKOJO – ‘MORE’ – EP REVIEW & ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
Sokojo is a four piece hard rock ensemble based in Los Angeles. The band just released their debut EP, More. The EP was produced by Burak Yerebakan (Yard Of Blondes/Model) at the Wakeful Room and mastered by Maor Appelbaum (Faith No More). Sokojo is comprised of Kris Soekotjo (Lead Vocals/Guitar), Kyle Soekotjo (Guitar/Vocals), Sebastian Neudeck (Drums) and Jeff Lane (Bass/Vocals).
Sokojo was founded in 2018 and draw their influence from classic rock. But the band enhances the genre by adding dynamic modern day nuances. Their sound is fueled by dramatic riffs, outstanding vocals and anthemic songwriting. Noticed in 2019 by Yerebatan at a shared rehearsal space, he offered Sokojo an opening spot for his band Yard Of Blondes at the infamous Viper Room. That was followed by a string of dates with Jason Newsted of Metallica.The group then became a mainstay on the Sunset Strip performing at such notorious venues as The Mint, Molly Malone’s and State Social House.
More is a five song sensual blitz. Sokojo infuses each song with sonic projectiles ready to assault the listener’s inner sanctum. The group’s music is a glorious prism full aural grenades. Sokojo dishes out heat in every tune.
Opening song “More” is a great example of Sokojo‘s primal musicianship Even though.”More” deals with a toxic mix of drug problems and trust issues in a crumbling relationship, the track is a real ripper. Kris’ vocals are sharp and the guitars generate infectious riffs. The solo is towering. Neudeck’s drumming is vibrant and hammering while Lane’s bass carries an aggressive tone. “More” is the perfect lead-in for the EP.
“Keep Me Going” continues the propulsive onslaught with its bluesy accents and ruthless guitar solo. The tune has a relentless beat with a punkish flavor. “Keep Me Going” tells the story about a guy who is left with nothing but silver linings. And Sokojo cranks the speed to a100 and doesn’t let up.
“Never Knew” is moody and textured with an exotic ambiance. The tune showcases Kris’ prodigious voice. With its rhythmic flourishes and buzzsaw guitar licks, “Never Knew” distributes a rapacious wall of captivating sound.
“Again?’ is a beautiful ballad with a dreamy aura and swirling harmonies. This highlights a softer side of Sokojo. The guitar is emotive and the bass lays down a despondent edge. Neudeck’s percussion fills are sublimely delicate. The divine arrangement is rich with harmonic delicacies. A totally tantalizing song.
“Something Real” is another imposing hard-rock ballad. The song is spacey and has an ambient stoner feel.Talking about the song the band explains:
“The song ‘Something Real’ is about a main character who searches for a connection with people absorbed by the social mediums on their phone, entranced by the blue light which disconnects them from reality”.
“Something Real” is a glorious end to an truly impressive debut. Sokojo is a group with a glowing future.
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To learn more about Sokojo, check out their website
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Stream music: Spotify / Apple Music / Soundcloud
Purchase: Amazon
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