Electronic pop-rock and evocative self-reflection tackles the process of building, breaking, and redefining one’s identity and life. Sonic Pulse Project’s 4th album to date brings 10 original tracks of slick riffs, big hooks, and contemplative stories, for The Blueprint.
With opening song Hero of the Sidequest setting a distinct but familiar vibe, we’re thrown into a tale of inescapable self-scorn and searching, with a cool balancing of acoustic and heavier rock elements.
Contrast is then quick to work its magic, as the piano ballad of Camelot completely softens the mood, and a raspier programmed vocal takes us through a country-style series of thoughts and poetic fragments; with a rise and fall melody that’s simple and satisfying. The hook drops in with a nineties soft-rock warmth that’s comforting in its nostalgia but heartbroken in its realism.
The project continues to meander through highs and lows stylistically, with the punk-pop bends and power-chords of Static on the Radio setting a new foundation for the lyrical vagueness and emotional intensity to return. Then we get the title-track, piano guiding again for a neo-classical acoustic opening, before a huge crescendo of a rock anthem drives things boldly towards the sky. The song presents the inspiration for The Blueprint, and proceeds to wander deeper into this diary-style exploration of self.
Haunting piano later offers something romantically desperate and desiring, for There’s Someone for Everyone – modest strings and vocal introspection are now recognisable aspects of The Blueprint, as well as inherent darkness with only a hint of optimism on occasion, but this is still the beginning. Stark imagery and scenes are cinematic here – isolating even, in how the music dances provocatively with the ache of the lyrics.
It’s not doom and gloom forever though, Christmas Eve feels unexpectedly warm amidst this album, and the intimacy and quiet gratitude is unexpected but welcomed. Then we move into something all the more joyful and uplifting, as The Constant Rhythm presents a brighter turn towards this section of The Blueprint that is the rebuilding and remaking of the self.
Suddenly a female programmed vocal adds a folk wonder and calm with The Truest North, reflecting literally on this idea of The Blueprint, before the big-band vibrancy and celebration of Tearing Up The Blueprint excites and awakens a whole new set of feelings to incite overcoming.
To finish, a happy folk bounce of a song called Just That Simple gets vulnerable and introspective, but the music feels hopeful, colourful, and resolves the journey well; with inspiration and possibility. This folk-pop gem is anthemic, all-together-now in its celebration and warmth, and leaves a lasting sense of undeniable light at the end of the tunnel.
“Our truest evolution thrives in the unpredictable spaces in between.” – Sonic Pulse Project.
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