Superbloom – Paper & Stone (2021)
Coming together under the moniker Superbloom, UK-based Robert James and Sam Lidington create music with accomplished contributors. The project began a couple of years ago, but they began releasing material only last year. Unfortunately, the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic hit just after their debut single ‘Sunscript’ hit the stands – but that didn’t deter them. Focusing on writing and promotion, James and Lidington continue sharing original material.
Working with renowned producer Thomas Mitchener, Superbloom combines elements of grunge, shoegaze, pop-rock and alternative rock in their contemporary sound. Nodding to artists like Radiohead and Nirvana, 90s grunge shapes the foundation of Superbloom; however, other instrumental effects make the band’s sound unique.
A harmonic melding of pounding drums, dynamic distorted guitars and James’ rich vocals places you in a whirlpool of sound. Yet, the whirlpool is not filled with haziness or wistful innocence; it is like falling into the kaleidoscopic eye of the storm. Dazzling colours blind you as they whirl about, but there is a constant in this heady ambience – the vitality of James’ vocals.
Elegantly traversing alternative rock with blues undertones, James’ rich tones enhance the significance of ‘Paper & Stone’. Touching on themes of societal expectations and “human perfection”, the group explore the fragility of the human soul. Desperate, anxious and filled with inner turmoil, ‘Paper & Stone’ is a sonic representation of, well, life. What I find interesting is how the group delicately discusses profound themes with such a forceful, robust melody.
For more from Superbloom check out their Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Spotify.
