Swedish synth visionary Soars unveils epic new album, 'Repeater'

Swedish electronic multi-instrumentalist Soars has released his second album ‘Repeater’ via Berlin’s Pelagic Records. Soars is the solo project of Kristian Karlsson, synth player in Cult of Luna and bass player/vocalist in pg.lost, Kristian has shared a new video for lead single ‘Uprise’.

“Soars is a personal journey and expression of a sound that has grown and evolved over years,” explains Karlsson. And this long-term development of his artistry ensures that while painting with a familiar palette of tones and textures as the aforementioned artists, Karlsson always paints a technicolour picture that is uniquely his own.

The album’s eponymous opening track serves as a shining example of the incredible body of work that lies ahead. Saturated in sparkling orchestral grandeur and contemplative melancholy, ‘Repeater’ exudes a gathering sense of calm and hopefulness that swells before erupting in a storm of blissed out euphoria that washes over the entire record.

Propelled by the powerful drumming of long-time friend and collaborator Christian Augustin (Stiu Nu Stiu, live drummer of Cult of Luna), Karlsson's inimitable synth craft on ‘Repeater’ connects seamlessly with his debut solo album as Soars, 2021’s ‘Enfold’. Recorded and released independently by the artist himself, ‘Enfold’ made waves throughout the post-rock world and the limited edition vinyl pressing sold out almost immediately. Two years later, the eight tracks of ‘Repeater’ continue to pay homage to masters of synth cinematics Vangelis and Jean-Michelle Jarre whilst acknowledging the unmistakable power of contemporary post-rock powerhouses like God is An Astronaut, Caspian and Mogwai.

A sprawling collection of compositions conjured from an idea initially dreamt up in Karlsson’s kitchen, the delicate, icy melodies and adrenaline-rush dynamics of ‘Repeater’ rise triumphantly and inevitably fall; telling a breathtaking, timeless story without saying a word.

Soars on ‘Repeater’:

"Though created late in the album's writing process, 'Repeater' felt like the perfect opener. Starting with a gentle pulsing synth landscape, it gradually transforms into a vibrant, organic symphony filled with electrifying energy.

For me the track sums up the feeling of the entire album... and earns its title track status by encapsulating the overall essence and sound you'll experience.”