‘Gone’ is very, very beautiful. Whenever I listen to good dream pop I find myself wanting to live in a world where all the music I know is dream pop, and for the dozen times or so that I heard ‘Gone’ in a loop, I found myself not wanting to let it end. Soft Set excelled on their songwriting, song building on this one, as well as delivering a clip in hazy colors that are fitting for the sound of ‘Gone’
A Toronto-based dream pop duo, Soft Set is formed of Nathan Athay and James Gray, who got together in high school and didn’t take a long time to realize that with their shared tastes, they should make music together. Like a blissful blend of the driving rhythms of The Stone Roses, the sonic grandiosity of My Bloody Valentine, and the ethereal warmth of Slowdive, ‘Gone’ is dizzyingly gorgeous, addictive, and distinctive.
The unforgettable group vocals, with their 2-part harmony, are delightful and memorable, the unerring bass and drum groove sets in motion the whole arrangement and its gargantuan synth pad-led atmospheres, and the warm, soft, and pillowy Lydian chord progression in the cherry on top, crowning an effort that is equally simply and brilliant, comforting and stimulating, grandiose and subdued. Like good dream pop should be.
There is a song called Sodus by a brilliant musician that goes by the moniker Cemeteries. It is very beautiful, and I’ve always wanted more of what it gave me. I’ve found that today with the excruciatingly lovely ‘Gone’ by Soft Set. They have made a new fan, and I’ll be keeping a close eye on everything they do from this point on.
