SONNE: Why Southampton’s most exciting band are bringing art rock back
Southampton's Sonne isn't interested in making repetitive music. This art rock group creates music for the contemplative listener by channelling the deep atmosphere of Radiohead and the rhythmic intensity of LCD Soundsystem. As one of the most intriguing artists in the UK scene, their new song, "Bear Trap", is a high-concept, extremely professional dive into the quest for emotional clarity.
Sonne's complex songwriting style reflects their philosophical and cinematic backgrounds. This is a deliberate cultural move, not just rock music. The band's goal is to keep up a "serious front" and a "mysterious layer", which raises their work above that of a regular local band.
This artistic aspiration stems from their two main sources of inspiration: the surreal aesthetic of filmmaker David Lynch and the intricacy of LCD Soundsystem, whose method of consistent, recognisable visual trademarks the band follows. This contrast is embodied in their latest track, "Bear Trap", which employs strong dynamics to frame lyrics full of figurative language. This is an uncommon, sophisticated technique that instantly evokes comparisons to critically praised peers like Squid and Dry Cleaning.
This controlled vision is reflected in the "Bear Trap" marketing. Sonne rejects typical viral trends in favour of producing high-quality, monochromatic images. In order to ensure that their devoted fan base remains their greatest asset, this technique is intended to reward the devoted audience that values authenticity and seeks out deeper significance. As a result, the music forces you to actively interpret the message rather than merely listen.
Written by Alfie Mallett, BA (Hons) Music Business student.
