AtanariaAs the summer fades, BONES UK’s new album Soft provides the perfect electric thrill to shake off the seasonal blues. The Grammy-nominated duo, Rosie Bones and Carmen Vandenberg, have returned after five years with a record that feels like a long-awaited reunion and doesn’t disappoint. In fact, Soft is one of the standout albums of the year—one you’ll find yourself replaying almost immediately after it finishes.
The album kicks off with a bang. “Bikinis” serves as an irresistible opener, blending seductive charm with fierce charisma. A tight, punchy rhythm pairs perfectly with the sultry combination of bass and guitar, immediately drawing you into BONES UK’s world. Rosie Bones’ understated yet magnetic vocals are the perfect foil to the noirish atmosphere, making the track feel like the soundtrack to a dark, glamorous mystery. Right out of the gate, the energy is addictive.
Next comes “Me,” a raw, grungy anthem that carries a visceral edge, thanks to its rough-around-the-edges guitar and gritty hip-hop-inspired beat. The chorus is an instant earworm, effortlessly pulling you in. “Dopamine” shifts gears slightly, bringing a dreamier, more psychedelic vibe. The use of synths and trippy guitar lines create an otherworldly atmosphere that makes it one of the most distinct moments on the album.
The album’s middle section revisits its heavier rock roots with “Won’t Settle,” a track that channels the thunderous energy of QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE, bolstered by guest bassist Mike Shuman’s unmistakable presence. Tracks like “Knee Deep” and “Perfectly Imperfect” slow things down again, offering haunting atmospheres that create a tension-filled mood. These songs evoke the feel of a dark thriller, where every note feels loaded with suspense and anticipation.
One of the most emotionally potent moments on Soft comes with “Us,” a heartbreakingly simple yet powerful song. It perfectly captures the melancholic realization that a relationship has run its course, making it deeply relatable and profoundly moving. But BONES UK refuses to let you wallow for too long. “Fix” shifts the energy back to full throttle, with blistering guitars and dirty, cool riffs that once again nod to QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE. It’s made for the kind of sweaty, packed venue where the crowd can lose themselves in the music.
Towards the album’s conclusion, “Teeth” surprises with its short, sweet burst of energy, propelled by a bouncing beat and cosmic-sounding synths that give it a sci-fi edge. Then there’s “Blood,” a near five-minute epic that feels like a culmination of the entire album’s journey, weaving between soft moments and louder, more aggressive ones. It’s a fitting penultimate track before “What If I Die” closes the album on a more somber note without sacrificing the intensity or quality.
In the end, Soft is a rock album that never loses momentum or overstays its welcome. Each track oozes cool, dripping with riffs and rhythms that practically demand to be played loud. Whether you’re cruising down long, open highways or soaking in the atmosphere of a dark room, BONES UK has crafted an album that feels both expansive and intimate. It’s easy to imagine these songs thriving even more in a live setting, rattling your bones with their infectious energy.
Soft is an absolute triumph for BONES UK, and it’s an album you won’t want to miss.
