Screamo, post-hardcore bandSonagi have blessed us with their debut LP, Precedent, out now via queer and trans-owned indie labelGet Better Records. The overall sonic approach of the album aims to capture movement between cathartic release and respite along a continuum of emotional reactivity and contemplation through the interplay of melody, structure, and form. This is reflected in the juxtaposition of sections with layers of overdriven guitars, blast beats, and screamed vocals with sections of heavily reverberated melodies and introspective moments.Precedent includes driving parts in unison with abrasive harmonic progressions, intertwined with polyphonic sections of distinct melodic elements heard in each vocal and instrumental voicing.
The interplay of two distinct vocalists flowing between sections written independently and concurrently are akin to the vocal writing of Thursday, withRyann Slauson's (Closer; they/them, vocals) introspective and poetic spoken vocal inflections building into piercing desperate screams contrasted with guitarist,Harim Jung's (they/them, vocals/guitar), shrill birdcalls and guttural lows.
Of the album, Songai says: "We hope this body of work inspires listeners to define connection around this album in an individualized and interconnected sense. We hope the record evokes reflection and action to build capacity, connection, and community in our current sociopoltical hellscape. The record achieves this vision in capturing a genuine and heartfelt politicized perspective that draws on personal (queer and trans and colonized) experience and larger narratives of what shapes and guides us through time. The album pays tribute to how we have found ourselves, inclusion and community through a cherished creative subgenre that strengthened our ability to express sentiments and experience in an accessible manner."
