“Following the release of our first album, ‘Last Light’, playing shows had begun to prove difficult due to many health issues within the band and each of us going through life changes which spread us apart.
At the same time, we slowly started to become more of a collaborative songwriting unit when we were able to get together. It was a catch 22. We were getting better at writing music that meant more to us on a personal level, rather than writing about heady topics like ‘riding down the cosmic drain’ – probably because we were facing some difficult challenges in our personal lives.
Liz and Kris in particular had a songwriting chemistry that really started to blossom. Over the course of about 12 months, through sending ideas back and forth, the two of them had written 10 or so songs that explored a general theme of moving on and not giving in to negative thoughts. We reluctantly stepped away from performing live for the most part and spent the next few years slowly recording songs at a painstaking pace, whenever possible, mostly at Tom’s home in Brisbane.
The result is our second, and possibly final long play, ironically called ‘One More Year’. We cut the record down to 8 tracks. Hope you like it. It was a labour of love and much patience. We feel that it’s our first real attempt at showing our take on shoegaze and dreampop – something we sought to do years before even starting the band.”
This press release, sourced from the Bandcamp page of the band, reveals exciting details about their latest album. We’ve previously highlighted the single “Glimmer” from this release, and I’ve been eagerly anticipating the full album drop ever since. The band, known as SGO, was formed by the talented brothers Kris and Tom Briese, with the intriguing name standing for “syrup, go on.” Their sound embodies beautifully crafted dream pop infused with lush shoegaze influences, resulting in an enchanting auditory experience. In their latest record, the band has expanded their lineup, bringing in new members who contributed to this sonic journey. Hailing from Brisbane, Australia, they are carving their niche in the vibrant music scene.
As I listen to the album, I am transported back to the familiar sounds of my favorite band from the USA – Letting Up Despite Great Faults, which coincidentally has also released new music this year. SGO’s record is rich with dreamy melodies, enveloping shoegaze guitar layers that weave seamlessly into the background, and stunning pop vocals that provide an ethereal quality to each song. The tracks are bathed in exquisite melodies that create a warm and inviting atmosphere reminiscent of summer days. While summer is just beginning on the other side of the globe, this album serves as a refreshing escape during our frigid winter months.
It’s a delightful challenge to pick standout tracks from this album, as every song possesses its unique character, yet together they form a cohesive and captivating collection. The sound resonates deeply with me, and I find myself drawn to this style of music—dream pop, shoegaze, and even slowcore—becoming my signature genres. Anything that falls within these categories captures my attention even more intensely.
The album is available on CD and in digital format, but I can’t help but wish it were also released on cassette. The analog format would perfectly complement the sound and vibe of the music, enhancing the overall experience.
In conclusion, this album is a catchy, beautifully crafted masterpiece that showcases the immense talent of this Australian band. I am confident it will resonate with many listeners, just as it has with me. I’ll be giving it multiple spins, savoring all the intricate nuances that make it truly special. Dream pop is not dead but alive and prospering.
Written by Filip Zemcik
