Soma Nova

Soma Nova [self-titled] 75orLessRecords

My first impression of seeing Soma Nova live was that they were a pretty much average bar band, nothing special and a little boring. Then a funny thing happened, the longer their set went, the more I became enamored. Initial impression of unremarkable shifted to having an interesting ’70s Dylan vibe. I found myself hanging on every note. Soma Nova’s self-titled debut works the same way where the opening track, “All This Time,” is boring both melodically and lyrically. Waiting for something to happen in this tune proved as fruitless as counting on Congress and the President to fix the economy. Then, like their live set, with each song Soma Nova sounded stronger and more concise. By the time I got to the 6th track, “Hope’s Lament,” I was ready to christen it Song of the Year. And yes, I know, it is only February, but the song is the total package lyrically with a killer hook and a sing-a-long chorus. The Song of the Year sentiment was short lived as the nugget “Lonely Street” may be even better! The song “72 Stones” lives up to its name with an Exile like slide guitar lead. “Take a Look Around” is another winner with a breezing but enchanting feel. All in all, Soma Nova’s debut is a damn solid piece of work and I’m excited to see where they go from here!
- Motif Magazine, February 2012

Soma Nova
9 tracks
A self-proclaimed “cure-all remedy for whatever befalls you” and “musical salvation for the new millennium,” Soma Nova is dripping with the psychedelic pop, folk, and classic rock sounds popularized by the Byrds, and they wholeheartedly embrace the comparisons. The band clearly wears its musical influences on its sleeve—the most intriguing element being lead singer Paul Edward Petit’s inimitable vocals, which call to mind the great Bob Dylan. Such inflections are especially evident throughout the album’s opener, “All This Time,” an infectious track with its melody heavily influenced by the Police’s “Every Breath You Take.” The disc’s standout track, “Hope’s Lament,” is in a class all its own with a unique and ear-pleasing arrangement combined with Petit’s thoughtful lyrics: “You’ve been a miner for love and haven’t found it.” The beauty of Soma Nova lies in the band’s versatility. Fans of all genres can find something to love here, especially when the music is easily accessible to all generations. (Julia R. DeStefano) - The Noise, May 30th, 2012

Soma Nova
9 tracks
A self-proclaimed “cure-all remedy for whatever befalls you” and “musical salvation for the new millennium,” Soma Nova is dripping with the psychedelic pop, folk, and classic rock sounds popularized by the Byrds, and they wholeheartedly embrace the comparisons. The band clearly wears its musical influences on its sleeve—the most intriguing element being lead singer Paul Edward Petit’s inimitable vocals, which call to mind the great Bob Dylan. Such inflections are especially evident throughout the album’s opener, “All This Time,” an infectious track with its melody heavily influenced by the Police’s “Every Breath You Take.” The disc’s standout track, “Hope’s Lament,” is in a class all its own with a unique and ear-pleasing arrangement combined with Petit’s thoughtful lyrics: “You’ve been a miner for love and haven’t found it.” The beauty of Soma Nova lies in the band’s versatility. Fans of all genres can find something to love here, especially when the music is easily accessible to all generations. (Julia R. DeStefano) - The Noise, May 30th, 2012

By CHRIS CONTI | August 15, 2012

75orLess Records enjoyed another strong showing in our 2012 Best Music Poll. The Warren-based label is a go-to provider of stellar local music, thanks in large part to the quarterly, king-sized promo packs sent our way courtesy of label founder Mark MacDougall. I'm guilty as charged for overlooking the eponymous debut disc from Soma Nova awhile back, which has steadily grown on me since I excavated it from the rack a few months ago. Psych-pop and folk-rock mingle around Paul Petit's earnest, reflective vocals on the album's first cut "All This Time," a slow-burning keeper. Lap steel and Meghan O'Connor's violin add depth to standout tracks "Close to the Closer" and "72 Stones." Give it a spin at somanova.com or iTunes.
- The Providence Phoenix, August 15, 2012

By CHRIS CONTI | August 15, 2012

75orLess Records enjoyed another strong showing in our 2012 Best Music Poll. The Warren-based label is a go-to provider of stellar local music, thanks in large part to the quarterly, king-sized promo packs sent our way courtesy of label founder Mark MacDougall. I'm guilty as charged for overlooking the eponymous debut disc from Soma Nova awhile back, which has steadily grown on me since I excavated it from the rack a few months ago. Psych-pop and folk-rock mingle around Paul Petit's earnest, reflective vocals on the album's first cut "All This Time," a slow-burning keeper. Lap steel and Meghan O'Connor's violin add depth to standout tracks "Close to the Closer" and "72 Stones." Give it a spin at somanova.com or iTunes.
- The Providence Phoenix, August 15, 2012