Softaware a a dream-pop-meets-synth-rock project led by Oklahoma City-based musician Colin Nance of Harglow, who’s delivered a breathtaking sophomore record with Molt. This highly anticipated release showcases Softaware’s ability to craft intricate soundscapes that transport listeners to ethereal realms, enveloping them in a blissful sonic experience.
From the moment the dreamy synths emerge from the speakers, the enchanting allure of Softaware takes hold. The warm embrace of his music wraps around you, with swirling pads and spacey guitars creating a mesmerising atmosphere. Drawing inspiration from the sounds of the 80s, Softaware masterfully blends dream pop and synth rock elements, capturing a sense of nostalgia while pushing the boundaries of the genre.
Molt is the artist’s magnum opus, showcasing Softaware’s ability to create expansive soundscapes that leave listeners in a state of weightless wonder. The album is a journey through soft melodies and morphing keyboards, with each track offering a sonic exploration that captivates the senses, as large crescendos give way to subtle sounds that leave the body suspended in a blissful state.
Released via Outpost 31 Studios, Molt opens with the enthralling “New Lie,” where bright synth stretches wash over the listener, setting the stage for the immersive sonic adventure that lies ahead. Transitioning into “Curvatures,” Softaware introduces delicate rhythms and soft drum touches that provide a gentle foundation for his delicate vocals to hover above the lofty synth textures. The combination creates a comfortable pace, enveloping the listener in a circle of synth blankets.
“Soft Monster” brings a more intense energy to the album, with its bouncy rhythm and commanding vocal leads. Pulsing synths and gritty guitar licks add attitude and groove to the track, showcasing Softaware’s ability to create infectious beats that demand attention. “Lost Ivy” channels an indie rock-inspired sound, featuring snapping drums, pumping bass lines, buzzy synths and ethereal floating vocal lines. The chorus unveils stunning melodic moments that stretch into the horizon, bathed in a reverb that hovers in dazzling fashion.
One of the standout tracks on the album is “Lavender,” featuring guest vocalist Lauren Todd of the band Nine Colours. This composition carries a Cranberries-like feel, as Todd’s vocals beautifully intertwine with Softaware’s melancholic instrumentation. The result is an enchanting and atmospheric sound that evokes deep emotions, adding another layer of depth to the album. The record comes full circle with “New Life,” an expansive synth-led composition that showcases intricate vocal tones and blends seamlessly with the grandiose synth arrangement.
Molt is a superb showcase of Softaware’s songwriting talent and performance panache. With this album, he proves himself as a visionary artist who can transport listeners to otherworldly dimensions through his intricate soundscapes. Softaware’s ability to blend dream pop and synth rock styles with a touch of nostalgia creates a sonic experience that is undeniably bound for greatness.
Listen to Molt below
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