After the release of 2020’s Color Theory, it was clear Sophie Allison, known by her stage name Soccer Mommy, would be a staple in this generation’s wave of indie rockers. With a total of four projects to her name, two released through Loma Vista, Soccer Mommy’s new collaborative album Sometimes, Forever alongside producer and artist Daniel Lopatin embellishes the Nashville native’s discography as it is furnished with themes of romanticism, wondrous songwriting, and more.
Sometimes, Forever has the groundwork of Soccer Mommy’s previous work yet takes a pleasant new direction. Enveloped in a shoegaze-inspired sound, Gabe Wax and Daniel Lopatin’s contributions to this album elevates Soccer Mommy above her contemporaries. Though “Bones” is a pleasant intro, the listener doesn’t get a taste of this new sound until “With U.” The psychedelic synths and drums played by Rollum Haas create an entirely new atmosphere. In addition, like most of her songs, Soccer Mommy’s powerful lyricism cuts deep. In the first verse, she sings, “your crystal eyes, cut deep like a knife / they’re teaching me how to bleed, I’ll take the pain.” The phrase “teaching me how to bleed” and the use of a simile in that verse all play into the concept of suicide that Soccer Mommy continues throughout the album.
In a previous interview with James Rettig of Stereogum, Soccer Mommy describes her inspirations for the album as, “I want to attempt a take on classic horror — make it something, where it doesn’t have to be jump, scares, just a good plot and a story that leads you to a place that has this huge ending.”
Being fueled by reference points ranging from the musical group The Cure to the film “The House of the Devil,” Soccer Mommy creates a similar haunting feeling across the project. Songs like “Darkness Forever” and “Unholy Affliction” contain a grisly sensation due in part to the production and Soccer Mommy’s vocals. For instance, the production of “Darkness Forever” has all the feel of a scary movie soundtrack. At the same time, the mystifying lyrics are reminiscent of the late Sylvia Plath as the guitars strum along with a chilling reverb effect.
This album has a consistent flow. There are no true low points. Lars Stalfor, who was in charge of the album’s mixing, created a chilling ambiance that could have easily drawn inspiration from Portishead’s work. However, the mixing isn’t always effective. The production seemed to repeatedly swallow Soccer Mommy’s voice to the point that the lyrics were not as clear as they could’ve been. The best example is “Fire In The Driveway,” which is lyrically one of her better songs, but the production drowns out her voice.
Sometimes, Forever is a step away from her previous work. Ironically many tracks, including “Following Eyes” and “Still,” are better suited sonically with Color Theory. Though the production is the heart of this album, the further development of Soccer Mommy’s songwriting is truly at its best on this project. The concepts of depression, drug abuse, romanticism, and her humanity across the album are intoxicating. As these themes progress, the arrangement of synths, guitar work, and vocal execution is a bonus. Although Sometimes, Forever may not be considered her best album, it is a pivotal piece in Soccer Mommy’s discography.
Sometimes, Forever is available on multiple streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal, or for purchase on Bandcamp.
What were your thoughts on Sometimes, Forever? Voice your thoughts in the comment section below. Want more of Soccer Mommy? Connect with her on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and her website soccermommyband.com.
