Skrillex - Soma (2026)
I can appreciate the craftsmanship immediately. Everything sounds expensive, sharp and meticulously engineered. The drums hit with authority, transitions are polished, and the album never feels amateurish for a second.
The problem is that I don't find much emotional or structural gravity beneath the surface. The record moves quickly from one idea to another, but movement isn't the same thing as progression. I hear a lot of energy, yet very little accumulation. Tracks arrive with force, deliver their impact, then disappear before becoming memorable.
The collaborative nature of the project also works against it. Instead of hearing a singular vision unfold, I hear a series of high-level club sketches connected by Skrillex's production touch. The identity is present, but weaker than on his most distinctive work.
In the end, SOMA feels more impressive than compelling. I admire the sound design, enjoy individual moments, and respect the technical execution, but I rarely feel pulled into a larger journey. For me, it functions better as a source of isolated highlights than as a complete album experience. A strong collection of ideas, but not one that leaves a lasting emotional imprint.
Pros
Elite production quality
The drums hit hard, the low-end is precise, and the sound design remains among the best in mainstream electronic music.
Constant movement
The album rarely becomes dull. New textures, rhythms and collaborators keep tracks changing shape.
Club functionality
Several tracks are built around strong physical impact and would work better in a DJ context than at home.
Cons
Weak hooks
Many tracks prioritize texture, drops and energy over memorable motifs. Very little stays in my head after the album ends.
Fragmented identity
The large number of collaborators makes the record feel more like a collection of sessions than a singular artistic statement.
Insufficient escalation
The album keeps changing direction but rarely builds toward a major payoff. Energy is present, but architecture is lacking.
Genre: Electronic Dance Music
Country: US
Final Verdict: 63% (Good Album)
Yearly Ranking: 253th / 475
Highlight: Smoke
Made me think of:
Baauer
Boys Noize
Fred again..
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