The Soft Pink Truth’s Hypnotic Album: A Balm for Trying Times


Source: Terrence O'Brien / platform.theverge.com

The Soft Pink Truth, a musical project spearheaded by Drew Daniel, has long been a source of creative experimentation and innovation. As a member of the critically acclaimed duo Matmos, Daniel has showcased his exceptional skills in crafting unique and captivating music. With The Soft Pink Truth, however, he takes on a different approach, one that is marked by spontaneity and a willingness to explore new sounds.

Shall We Go On Sinning So That Grace May Increase?, the latest album from The Soft Pink Truth, is a testament to this creative freedom. The record is a departure from Daniel’s previous solo efforts, trading in distortion and house beats for a more hypnotic and healing sound. While maintaining the heavily manipulated field recordings and samples that are characteristic of Matmos’ style, this album veers towards a more organic and ambient texture.

A Journey Through Soundscapes

The album’s opening track, ‘Shall,’ sets the tone for the rest of the record. A dissonant drone and unsettling soundscapes create an air of unease, only to be tempered by a vocal chant that teeters on the edge of the uncanny valley. This tension is skillfully resolved as the album shifts into the more subdued ‘We,’ a track marked by a minimalist new-age thump and the gentle interplay of wind, female vocal runs, and piano.

As the album progresses, it becomes clear that Daniel is drawn to the idea of building momentum through arrangement. Tracks like ‘Go’ and ‘On’ demonstrate this approach, gradually adding layers and textures to create a sense of depth and complexity. The use of live instrumentation, rather than relying solely on samples, adds a sense of spontaneity and human connection to the music.

A Celebration of Creativity

The album’s centerpiece, ‘Sinning,’ is a testament to this approach. Abstract saxophone blasts and bells dance together, propelled by a simple four-on-the-floor kick that injects the track with undeniable groove. This is a celebration of human creativity, where the power of art to heal and inspire is paramount. The use of live instrumentation and musicians bouncing ideas off each other in real time creates a sense of spontaneity and energy that is infectious.

The second half of the album continues this trajectory, with tracks like ‘That’ and ‘Grace’ showcasing Daniel’s ability to balance chaos and order. The album’s closing track, ‘May Increase,’ disassembles the complex soundscapes built up over the previous tracks, leaving the listener with a sense of resolution and closure.

Shall We Go On Sinning So That Grace May Increase? is a testament to the power of creative experimentation and innovation. The Soft Pink Truth’s latest album is a balm for trying times, offering a unique and captivating sound that is both hypnotic and healing.