Soj has a new release entitled Land of Lovers and Hammers out now via the Italian cassette-based label Infidel Bodies. The project is the work of the electronic producer Ian Broch, who also runs the prolific label Soil Records. Across ten original tracks, Soj combines various Industrial-leaning genres of electronic music into potent atmospheres of urban dread and adventure. The collection includes remixes by WLDV, Unconscious, IV Horsemen, and Filmmaker.
The album’s title track is built around the relentless thud of a driving kick drum. Like a pick-ax splintering wood, it sets an ominous mood. Leaning in a techno direction, the track adds percussive elements that round out the sense this cut takes particular pleasure in doling out its brute physicality. Splashes of snare clip the ear like a leathered slap to the face, while closed hi-hats tick like the timer set on a bomb waiting to explode. Eventually, a reverberating synth-line emerges, and as it tightly loops through the rhythm, there’s a feeling of no exit here, only endless cycles of pain and pleasure.
“Land of Lovers and Hammers” is also one of the remixed tracks on the album. DJ and producer WLDV does the honors on the cut. Based out of Bilbao, Spain, the artist also co-runs Eclectic Reactions Records. Howling atmosphere and throbbing percussion set a transgressive mood on his remix, and while something is foreboding about it, the producer’s sonic choices play down Soj’s masochistic delight in aural abuse while opting for more missionary-styled carnal pleasures. Complete with a burly, leather-clad bass-line ready to deliver the deep funk, WLDV seals the deal with breathy interjections from a rapturous vocal track.
