Disco and Danger: Sundara Karma|'Ulfilas' Alphabet'
- Greta Kaur-Taylor
- Mar 17, 2019
- 3 min read
17/03/19
Words|Owen Stanley
Editor| Greta K Taylor
Motown meets ghost town as Sundara Karma release sophomore album: ‘Ulfilas' Alphabet’.
Sundara Karma have announced their long-awaited return in triumphant fashion with their sophomore album ‘Ulfias' Alphabet’.
The Reading band are following on from their incredibly successful debut album ‘Youth Is Only Ever Fun In Retrospect’which put the world on notice to their harmonic and bittersweet pop symphonies.
Oscar, Hayden, Ally and Dom are embarking on a new horizon with this album which delves deep into the dark and deceptive nature of the world, whilst also adding the groove and funk that is also part of the wild ride the world has become.
Ulfilas incidentally is coined from a Greek god who created his own unique alphabet in order to translate the Bible. It is clear that lead singer Oscar ‘Lulu’ Pollock intentionally or not mirrors the endearing and personal traits of Ulfilas in order to create a thirteen track album which personifies his own ideals and thoughts.
Sundara Karma are their own entity, incomparable to most other artists in the current industry, displaying a style that can only be admired as they drift through a plethora of avenues throughout the album, engaging all who listen to the album to a point where they are hooked like a fish on a line.
Pollock’s vocals can create a sweet and tender atmosphere whilst also delving into a state of fear and darkness, further justifying the 23 year olds immersive nature.
Many can find claim to compare Pollock’s vocal talents to that of the late David Bowie with the album’s first single‘Illusions’ being a particular effort that arguably mirrors the ‘Rebel Rebel’ singer’s as Oscar’s heavy, deep vocals kick in during the opening line, “Walking through the abattoir, disconnected from who we are”. Hinting towards the aforementioned idea of Pollock aiming to bring his personal ideals into the tracks, the theme of disconnection and loneliness is constant throughout the record and adds to the endearing world of ‘Ulfilas' Alphabet’.
Talking to Clash Magazine, Pollock states regarding the track 'Illusions' that: “In times of horror and uncertainty we need love and positivity.” With the current deformed state of the world, it is no surprise that Sundara Karma like many other artists have had their say on the world as they question, like everyone else has at some point, "what really is going on?"
Tracks ‘One Last Night On This Earth’ and ‘Symbols of Joy Eternity’ go hand in hand in regards to the bands bittersweet pop fiasco and generate a disco flavoured atmosphere where everything wrong with the world can be put on hold, everyone can enjoy a rare moment of joy (and eternity in this case). Stacked with impulsive symphonies and aided by an 80’s Motown theme these efforts are certainly two that will get you moving and distracted from the horror of modern life.
‘Greenhands’ and ‘Higher States’ differ in their delivery yet maintain a certain sense of delirium throughout.
“Four years old he’s the organic man with no one to call.”
Perhaps a touch on the ever-rising culture of veganism which Pollock has been heavily supportive off in the past. A testament to the idea of younger people being pushed for a healthier lifestyle, the title 'Greenhands' itself also ties into the idea of veganism of course with green being a symbolic colour of fruit and veg.
‘Higher States’ certainly aids to the idea of panic and a sudden rush for safety almost like a ticking time bomb is nearing its end as the track plays and listeners scarper for a place to hide from the big bad wolf of the world. “Take me far away”pleads Pollock during this number, something we’ve all longed for during our time.
‘The Changeover’ offers a softer and more delicate approach with its calm nature allowing for people to catch their breath and calm down and relax coming straight off the back of ‘Higher States’.
The penultimate and title track ‘Ulfilas' Alphabet’ is sure to be a fan favourite as it ties all the previous themes hinted throughout the album together in the most perfect of knots.
Disconnection and loneliness maintain their values throughout the lyric “How many friends have you let go? Who are you anyway?” Two sharp questions in quick succession as if to say this character is a lost individual with no path and no recollection of what he was or who he knew.
The track itself combines incredibly effective instrumentals with outstanding vocals. From a constant guitar riff that climbs from the depths of disparity into a lighter and more positive angle as the track progresses, combined with powerful and wishful vocals that are begging to be noticed, to arguably be perceived through the combination of the two that the character in this instance is eager for help.
Commenti