Soft Focus by School House: A Sonic Headtrip You Didn’t Know You Needed
Let’s cut the crap—Soft Focus isn’t your typical album. Released in 2014 by UK-based label Tombed Visions, this experimental beast straddles electronic and classical vibes while drenching itself in ambient soundscapes that feel like they’re straight outta another dimension. It’s not perfect, but damn if it doesn’t stick to your brain like gum on a hot sidewalk.
First off, let’s talk about “Turn Back Times.” This track punches you right in the feels without even trying. The opening synth line is so hauntingly minimal, it feels like someone whispering secrets into your ear at 3 AM. Then BAM—it builds into this swirling vortex of noise and melody, leaving you wondering what just hit you. P.J.T., whoever the hell he really is, crafted something here that feels both deeply personal and kinda alienating. Like, I can’t decide if I wanna cry or scream when I hear it. Maybe both? Either way, it stays with you.
Then there’s “Let Him Bleed,” which hits different altogether. If “Turn Back Times” is introspective and moody, this one’s more like an open wound bleeding all over your speakers (pun intended). The percussion cracks through the haze like broken glass underfoot, while these eerie piano notes float around like ghosts refusing to leave a haunted house. It’s unsettling as hell, but also kinda beautiful? Like staring at a car crash—you know you shouldn’t look, but you can’t help yourself.
The rest of the tracks aren’t slouches either. Tracks like “We Are Ash” and “Dead Rock” keep things unpredictable, shifting between glitchy chaos and moments of quiet reflection. And props to Lewis Mclean for the design; whoever said visuals don’t matter clearly hasn’t seen how much the cover art mirrors the music’s weird-ass vibe.
Here’s the kicker though: Soft Focus doesn’t care if you get it or not. That’s what makes it special. In a world where everyone’s chasing streams and likes, School House doubled down on making something raw and unfiltered. Sure, some parts might drag, and yeah, it’s not gonna be everyone’s cup of tea—but honestly? That’s exactly why it works.
So here’s my random thought to wrap this up: Listening to Soft Focus feels like being lost in a forest at night. Yeah, it’s scary and disorienting, but every now and then, you catch a glimpse of starlight breaking through the trees. Fucked up? Maybe. Beautiful? Absolutely.
