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Gold Coast rock group Soulframe first clocked in on the musical radar back in early 2001 with ‘Sojourn’, a promising debut that, given the right production team and a few more years experience under their belts, could one day see the quartet get the recognition that matched their musical abilities.
Three years have passed and the band now offers up a much bigger sounding record in ‘Escaping Entropy’. Initial props must go to Rob Feaster (Travis Tritt, Duke Robillard) behind the desk for helping to harness the sound the guys had envisioned. Gone are any notions of upbeat pop that they dabbled in on the first record (and which were Sojourn’s weaker points), and in its place is a slick rock sound with a slightly dark undertone. Remaining though, are the group’s forte of positive uplifting lyrics and the odd smattering of tender balladry.
The group are also sounding like a tighter unit. Guitarist Scott Smith, has found another edge to his craft and with the tougher sound on the record, it allows him a few more solos to sink his teeth into. ‘Thread’ in particular is all Smith. The engine room of drummer Zane Carey and bassist Hayden Whitworth also seem to relish the more open sound scape on offer. The driving rhythm laid down on a song like ‘Loved’ is just made for radio play. Potential single anyone?
But their problem isn’t lack of singles, it’s which songs to choose from because near half the record is ripe for the airwaves. First cut ‘Tonight’ was the obvious choice with its stratospheric chorus, aided and abetted by vocalist Guy ‘Mutto’ Mutton and his golden set of pipes. The genuine passion in his voice gives the quieter songs on the album a bit more credibility then some of their colleagues already in the game. The David
Grey-esque ‘Beautiful’, a warm tune about being yourself, has Mutto telling the subject, “You wanted to show your heart in this, and it’s beautiful.”
Other ballads like the cool groove of ‘Pessimism’ and penultimate track ‘Needed To Know’ help lend the record a nice sense of balance. ‘Need to Know’ in particular could be their strongest shot at the big time.
Escaping Entropy is thankfully anything but sophomore blues. It’s a well rounded album that goes hand in hand with Soulframe’s clear intent to break on through.
- Reviewed by ‘Disco’ Stu McPhee for Ear Medicine
Discography
Escaping Entropy
- full length album; Australian airplay with songs 'Tonight', 'Beautiful' & 'Thread'.
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Bio
"If rock is a rebellion, then why not lead the rebellion into goodness... and hope...?" lead singer Mutto captures something of the heart of Gold Coast four piece Soulframe. Indeed, historically good rock n roll has been driven by rebellion, and in a war-torn 21st century world, Soulframe are finding much to rebel against.
The bands appropriately titled 2nd album Escaping Entropy, launched to over 1000 fans at Brisbane's Tivoli theatre, while certainly uplifting lyrically, is also drawing widespread critical acclaim. Entropy has so far collected a swag of awards including a win and 3 further nominations at Musicoz, a Pacific Songwriting Award, two of the top 10 spots in the Australian Songwriters Association Awards, and top spot in Sea Fm's 'Unsigned' competition. Soulframe's growing reputation has also received endorsement from their peers, leading to supports with New Zealand/OC favorites Evermore, UK band Delirious, and with Aussie rockers Grinspoon and MotorAce.
In a world where rebellion is being revolutionised (to the point where 'straight-edge' has become the new 'hardcore'), perhaps there is an opportunity for the rebellion that is rock and roll to find a new potency. Soulframe believe so passionately, and are intent on taking their rebellion to the world.
SOME WORDS ON SOULFRAME
“Full of musical precision... an album of heartfelt & driven musical excursions... an esky full of ice blocks for a Saturday afternoon in the park, occasionally dipping into darker territory, only to emerge moments later with a broad smile on its face."
Robert Lukins, Time Off Magazine
“Soulframe are one of the bright lights among a new breed of bands who have great tunes and something to say.”
Dave Drinkall, Rhubarb/Toupee Records
“Soulframe rock out, entertain & deliver really catchy & sincere music. They successfully avoid the post grunge clichés & yet have a sound influenced by bands from that genre. When they scale down to the bare acoustics you can quickly see the depth of talent in their songs, harmonies and audience rapport.”
Paul Colman, Paul Colman Trio – Grammy Nominees 2003
"...their problem isn't lack of singles, it's which songs to choose from because near half the record is ripe for the airwaves."
Stu McPhee, Atlantis Records & Ear Medicine
"...the music stands out and is absolutely compelling... well constructed with imaginative lyrics & the lead singer's voice is simply outstanding."
Belinda Sanders, ABC Radio
• Soulframe recently won Gold Coast radio station 90.9 Sea FM’s ‘Unsigned’ competition, leading to a support for Aus-rockers ‘Grinspoon’, May ’05, and single ‘Tonight’ being played on the morning show.
• ‘Escaping Entropy’s’ single ‘Thread’ won 1st place, in the 2005 Pacific Songwriters Competition’s ‘Rock/Metal/Indie’ category.
• ‘Escaping Entropy’s’ single ‘Tonight’ won 3rd place, at the Australian National Songwriting Contest 2005, in the ‘Pop Rock’ category; the second single ‘Loved’ placed within the top 10 (results still to be announced).
• Jaxter Artist Awards selected the single ‘Loved’ to be included on their ‘2005 Finalists’ compilation CD.
• Single ‘Tonight’ won best song in category, & was nominated for 4 awards including ‘Artist of the Year’ at National Music Competition ‘Musicoz’, Dec ‘04.
• The Gold Coast Music Industry Association (GCMIA) selected Escaping Entropy’s ‘The Other Side’ to be featured on the GCMIA/Elston Records sampler compilation CD 'Latitude 28: Volume 1' to promote Gold Coast artistry.
• Soulframe won ‘Best Rock Song’ for ‘Walk Away’ & received nominations for ‘Album of the Year’ for ‘Sojourn’ & ‘Song of the Year’ for ‘Walk Away’ at 2001 ‘QRA Sunnie Awards’.
• ‘Tonight’: featured on RG Capitol Network’s National ‘Aus-made’ show.
• ‘Thread’ : featured on Austereo Group: Brisbane’s B105FM.
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