The Statement of Sound - The Statement of Sound

The Statement of Sound

The Statement of Sound
2 and 2 Records; 2016

​3.7 out of 5

By Santiago Garcia

The Statement of Sound is a group formed in Chesterfield, NJ as a side project of artist Bob Carboni. Carboni has had a successful career as a rock artist, but wanted to venture into new territory with synth pop and create songs reminiscent of classics such as New Order, Joy Division and Depeche Mode. 

Of course, Carboni also wanted to push things a little further than that and add a modern feel, along with warm rock undertones to these classic influences. For the most part, I think he does add his own unique sound to his very clear ‘80s influences. All songs on his five-track self-titled EP The Statement of Sound were composed by Bob Carboni and his wife Mary, who also provides beautiful vocals on some tracks. The Statement of Sound is looking to follow up this EP with a full-length album later on in the year, so watch this space.

This short-but-sweet five-track EP opens with “Purpose.” A throbbing electronic beat with a ricocheting hi-hat opens up the track and a slow, steady bass rhythm grooves and moves atop the steady drumming. An array of noises suddenly converges on this initial straightforward combination, including whirring synth sounds and a reverberating, warbling guitar line. Out of the madness emerges Carboni’s ‘80s-esque pop vocals which echo and reverberate as he sings of how “We drive ourselves insane.” He is led out by an infectiously catchy synth arpeggio. I found some of the synthetic noises a little sharp and overbearing at moments, but the underlying melody and rhythm of the song was undeniably catchy.

“Faith In Illusion” is a melodic piece driven by a tender piano arpeggio and the echoing guitar notes which reverberate in the corners of this deeply atmospheric track. Plinking synthetic bell rhythms combine with Carboni’s emotive vocals which lament that “Dreams only fade in the morning light / Can you wait for another night? / And love can be real if I give you all that I am / Just as time is only grains of sand.” Screeching electric guitar solos ring out over the jabs of synthetic string chords and dancing piano rhythms which fluctuate as does the frequently returning bell-based arpeggio which truly adds a glitzy, dream-like component to this song.

“Youth” is driven by a dark and ominous synthetic atmosphere along with a biting rock riff and a pulsing drum beat. Moments of synthetic strings break up the tense atmosphere, as does an arcade style sound which runs up and down the octaves. Carboni’s vocals return with their emotive, tender style on this track as he sings of “Buying, spending, never-ending” and that one should “Take this world, and take it for free.” The track closes with the clanging of cow bell atop the beat, alien-esque synths with ominous undertones as a catastrophic collection of electronic noises converge into one jumble of addictive catchiness.

The Statement of Sound’s first EP is five tracks of intriguing nostalgia with regards to the sound so reminiscent of ‘80s classics including most notably New Order, but it’s also an attempt to merge those synth-based influences with classic rock sensibilities. Atmospheric noises, punchy drum beats and an eclectic range of upbeat along with downtrodden and twisted tunes is an apt way to summarize this EP. Carboni draws on a varied range of styles and he succeeds at doing so

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