Mond
Soror Dolorosa
From Bandcamp, “Paris-based SOROR DOLOROSA (Sister Pain) belong to the most visionary contemporary groups in the blend of Gothic/Death Rock and Cold Wave. The band name comes from the novel "Bruges-la-morte" by Flemish symbolist writer Georges Rodenbach, which is marked by nostalgia and mourning, thus perfectly encapsulating the band’s aesthetic aspirations. The romantic and cathartic emotional landscapes are still at the heart of the band. With "Mond,” SOROR DOLOROSA are reaching far out of the solar sphere and into deep outer space where the musical past and future become entwined to create an exciting new chapter in the band's evolution.
“Tear it Up” is the first song. An electronic synthwave sound heads straight at you, but it’s darker in nature, like a combination of Gothic Rock and 80’s bliss. The chorus is catchy, and even the vocals sound like the come from that era. “You’re Giving Me” has a bouncy sound but is also somewhat sad, reminding me of THE CURE. History repeats itself, as the saying goes, and I feel like that is the same for music. In this case, I am transported back to the spandex and neon colors of the 80’s, where this type of music could be heard in every nightclub and bar. “Red Love” features a steady electronic drum beat with a distinct downtrodden sound in the vocals. They are sung low, almost lifeless in their delivery, like someone who has been defeated. “Souls Collide” is very emotional. It moves gently and carefully, with shorter and wider strikes from keyboards, as well as heavy and powerful strikes in the guitars.
“Sugar Moon” is another tender song on the album. It springs to life after an ambient opening sequence with an almost jovial sound, and the catchy chorus is rich and filled with electronica. It segues into “Broken Love,” which leaves a heavy burden on the listener, and you can feel the emotions come from both the vocals and the music. “Obsidian Museum” thumps forward with heavy bass notes and clean guitars. The keyboards take a bit of a back seat in this more straightforward rocker. “Hurlevent” is longer, slower, and has about as much emotion as the band can push. The landscape is dreamy, in shades of blue, and it is hard to pull yourself out of them, so you might as well embrace them. “But Today” closes the album, with big drum strikes and emotive vocals. It’s a final cap of blue pushed deep into your veins.
This album drips with ‘80s nostalgia, weaving lush synths and pulsing drum machines into every track. The melodies have a neon glow, but beneath the shimmering surface lies a deep sense of melancholy. With layers of electronic textures and atmospheric pads, each song taps into a longing for something lost—love, time, or connection. The album feels like the soundtrack to a dream you can't quite escape, blending the energy of retro electronica with the quiet sadness of heartache and reflection.
8 / 10
Excellent
Songwriting
Musicianship
Memorability
Production
"Mond" Track-listing:
1. Tear it Up
2. You're Giving Me
3. Red Love
4. Souls Collide
5. Sugar Moon
6. Broken Love
7. Obsidian Museum
8. Hurlevent
9. But Today
Soror Dolorosa Lineup:
Unknown
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