The Scottish Soma label recently dropped a brand new edition in the Soma Coma series, on which we again get to hear a load of “obscure, overlooked, and underplayed” tracks. Full review below.
2011 is the year in which the renowned label turns 20, and we have it on good authority that the institution is planning a load of exciting things for all house and techno freaks out there. Let’s first take a closer look at this fifth Soma Coma compilation, a series spotlighting the darker, moodier and more abstract side of the label. Across fourteen tracks, Soma Coma 5 offers both cuts from industry stalwarts and newcomers, all of which present flowing pieces of beat-less electronica full of shimmering strings and emotive melodies. The first half of the compilation fully revolves around tracks with a very orchestral feel: tracks such as The Black Dog’s melodramatic Later Vexations (taken from their 2009 album Further Vexations), the playful The Lesson Of Hope by Decimal, and label newcomer Vakama’s dark, resonating Yemaya add up to the enigmatic atmosphere that is subtly laid down. The second half incorporates a few IDM-ish drum tracks, such as the frenetic Jah Future by Alex Smoke, Gene Farris’ oldschool hiphop-styled Smoke Session Pause and Counterplan’s poolside groover The Morning After.
Our verdict: Soma Coma 5 has become another very decent installment in the series and a great pick if you’re looking for chilled pieces of melodic electronica. The drum-based tunes are a nice listen, but the best tracks are found among the lengthy, flowing pieces of beatless waves.
Standout tracks: The Black Dog – Later Vexations, Decomal – The Lesson Of Hope Weak moments: H-Foundation – Scenario, Universal Principles – Don’s Different Ducks
Electronica - 
