What are you up to tonight? Thinking of a movie, but already fatigued by the thought of picking one? Well, skip it, and instead check out these Sofars that nail the spirit of the movies we love. How, how is it possible? Take a look below.
1. The Rom Com
Will true love prevail, with a laugh or two along the way? In every Rom Com there’s gotta be that moment where it almost doesn’t work out, where the protagonist thinks they’ve messed it all up. That’s when we get that sweet montage of them looking at everything that reminds them of the one who’s on the verge of getting away. That’s the feeling of Maya Piata’s “If You Do,” a subdued, soft confession. Against brushes of acoustic guitar, she sings the opening line, “I hope you never hear this song.” But we’re listening, and hoping true love comes through.
2. The Moody Noir
Have you binged David Lynch’s catalogue too many times, but you still want the dark vibe of it? Calvin Love is here to deliver. Against washy ‘80s synth, the Toronto-based artist croones to listeners in a voice quivering with vibrato, haloed in eerie reverb. Who needs Laura Palmer when we’ve got Calvin bringing the mystery and mood?
3. The Feel Good Flick
Ok, so you’re just looking for an easy movie. Maybe you’re craving that moment when the lead characters are out on a road trip, and we get a sweet shot of someone staring out the window feeling the open-road breeze wash over them. But the trick of that moment is it’s usually followed by some kind of drama or challenge. That’s why Santiago’s performance of “Paranoia” feels just right, because it’s sonically carefree, but the meat of the lyrics holds some complexity.
3. The Western
Hoping to go hang on the range for a bit? Amy Nelson gives us the feel of an old-fashioned western with her performance of “Mountain Song.” Stripped down to fiddle and guitar, and Amy’s traditional country vocal delivery, she tells a dreamy story of living on the range—I mean mountain.
5. The Sci-Fi
Aliens! Distopias! Metallic landscapes of ruined cities and hovercrafts! Sci Fi can be tense and complex, maybe too complex if you’re feeling a little too sleepy to follow the storyline of a futuristic world. You know what you could do instead? Watch SASSAN’s “3rd Movement,” which gives that heightened electric feel of a good Sci Fi as the artist continues to layer pulsing synth upon synth, bringing us into new dimensions.
6. The Suspense Thriller
Have you noticed some of the scariest thrillers, the ones really driving your adrenaline, are the simplest? The one where we have to watch our protagonist amble around casually for what seems like forever, just waiting for the other shoe to drop….THE KILLER’S RIGHT THERE! That’s kind of what makes Fred Woods’ performance of “Loving Son” so perfect—the way the Montreal artist spins this ghostly web of sound, steady thumping electric guitar, and his well-worn, ominous voice gripping us from start to finish. You’re mesmerized, and without even noticing it, covered in chills.
7. The Vaudevillian Throwback
Move over, Nightmare Alley, Carny Villains are about to bring you on a wild ride with their performance of “Why Am I Here,” which, like much of Vaudeville, you just have to experience for yourself. When you see the stand-up bassist break into a high step around the :48 mark, you know this group is bringing their full enthusiasm to entertain you.
Photo credit: image by Amulya Datla
