Review: “After the Night” by Soviet Dolls

Soviet Dolls, who originate from Rochester, is a dynamic synth-pop trio that have a unique sound that combines everything you love about 80’s soundtracks and modern pops. 

“After the Night”  is the band’s latest effort and showcases the evolution of their synth-driven sound, delivering 6 tracks that take you on an adventure and immerse you into an unforgettable experience. As said by the band and producers, “The album ‘After the Night’ is a testament to the bands growth and commitment to creating art that pushes the boundaries of pop music.” If this is your first experience with ‘Soviet Dolls’, it will surely leave you with a lasting impression of what this trio is able to accomplish.

Singles – Track Review

Not So Desperate – Immediately you’re hit with this lovely woman’s voice, filling your soul with her emotions. I feel as if the lead singer is like a siren, trying to get you to understand what she’s been feeling. The repetition of “you’ve been on my mind” gives a sense of wonder, while the other line “I’m not so desperate” wants to communicate the opposite, giving a push-and-pull effect. Overall, It was a great first impression of this trio and I’m super excited to see what these other tracks have in store.

All Night – After one listen, it’s almost as if this track belongs in a movie montage for a coming-of-age scene. It creates a sense of serene and a life-building groove. I honestly love this one, and I think there’s something to be said for bands that are able to create songs that speak to the listener without lyrics. For all my music-loving nerds, this actually reminds me of parts of Eric Whitacre’s songs, specifically his Virtual Choir 4, being able to evoke such a strong emotion with just interludes of this growing beat. Overall, I love this one and the contrast from the first song to this one was amazing. 

After the Night – Immediate explosion of extraordinary pop beats. This time, the lead singer has a deeper, lustful voice. The want and need for love, and desire for the feeling of being loved no matter the situation. It almost feels like she has a back-and-forth conflict of wanting this forbidden love, while having the desire to feel wanted and needed no matter what. Overall, this track was beautiful, and I thought the instrumentals were complementary to the lyrics and message. 

Hooks – The feeling of being connected to someone even though they might not want you, is what the song conveys to me. “You’ve got your hooks in me now” is so powerful, showing the connection humans can have with someone. Then, to turn it around and say “you will find me gone” to show how quick someone can detach themselves from a person, even though it may seem impossible in the moment. “Someday someone’s heart will break and it won’t be mine” shows this disconnect. As much love as you can feel, you know it’s not right in your heart for both of you to grow. Overall, this track hit home. It’s such a beautiful song. Definitely recommend this one.

Gossip (I want you now) – The bass is absolutely crazy in this track. The groove and the movement is amazing. Another almost entirely lyric-less song, and they kill it once more. It has whispers of “I want you now” and it just exudes lust and the feeling of being wanted and seen. This one gives a sense of how it feels to finally be seen, and I love love love it. 

Younger Still- The beat immediately sets the tone for the next few minutes. This song reminds me of Ellie Goulding, very gentle with some beats to illuminate the lyrics and to bring them to life. There are some beautiful harmonies to bring more depth, and really create this feeling. The guitar solo in this one too? Killing it! It definitely fits this song and adds so much more to this feeling of growth. 

Verdict

Overall, this album was such a fun rollercoaster and really shows the boundaries that Soviet Dolls wanted to push and break. I think they wrote beautiful lyrics with some cutting-edge instrumentals that really sets them apart. But this album also feels familiar and makes you want to hear more. My favorite track has to be “All Night” from its stunning instrumentals that just flow right through you. 

This is the first Soviet Dolls album I’ve listened to, but it definitely won’t be my last! I really felt their messages and loved their connection with each other!

“After the Night” is available on most streaming Platforms now!