SOMAFREE INSTITUTE : Exit Signal

SOMAFREE INSTITUTE, the heavy synth trio of Andrew Crawshaw(keys), Justin Thomas Kleine(keys), and Tim Call(drums) have been honing their skills as songwriters and musicians for a few years now. Combining the sonic explorations of 70s electronic titans Tangerine Dream, Klaus Schulze and Vangelis with the more modern sound worlds of Zombi and Sinoia Caves.

Over the course of two highly regarded EPs, Vertical Helix Scan and Seek Sound Shelter, Crawshaw, Kleine, and Call have built their very own sound world. A world of chromed out cosmic rock, heady ambient, and even moments of prog indulgences.

On SOMAFREE INSTITUTE’s debut LP, the heady and driving Exit Signal, the band brings everything together into one impressive and heavy album. Soaring synths coalesce with explosive drumming to create a massive sound journey.

“Aurora” opens the album in a widescreen expanse. Towering synths hover like monolithic structures in a darkened sky. There’s an almost apocalyptic feel here, like entering some dystopian world and this track is the gate that beckons us to enter. “Somnambulists” is next, a menacing track that touches on sci-fi elements. Reminiscent of early Zombi this track lays out the musical journey we are about to take. Ominous melodies and heady intentions abound. “Horizon” is the first epic journey here. At over 7 minutes of wavering electronics and Tim Call’s masterful rhythm power we are treated to a steely mood of exploration and contemplating the unknown.

There’s a kind of ominous darkness that emanates from “Phase Induction”, a soundtrack to a nightmare journey in deep space with touches of prog rock thrown in for good measure. “Burning Darkness” has a dramatic swing to it, slowly building to a crescendo that is reminiscent of the great Polish composer/electronic artist Wojciech Golczewski. “Simulacrum” has the sound of Tangerine Dream scoring some 1980s NES action game, with some driving rhythmic turns courtesy of Tim Call. Title track “Exit Signal(Ascension)” ends the journey with nearly 8 minutes of heady electro-prog. The trio ends the album not with a bang, but with with an absolute sonic Totality.

The wait for SOMAFREE INSTITUTE’s debut full-length was worth it. Exit Signal is a masterclass of synth-based rock and moody electronic composition. Crawshaw, Kleine, and Call have elevated themselves with this album. Chromed-out cosmic jams of the highest order.