Philadelphia rockers Soraia have just released their new album 'Bloom' via Stevie Van Zandt's Wicked Cool Records.)
'Bloom' covers new ground both sonically and lyrically, and comes as their single "I Seek Fire" continues to move up the Billboard charts.
The band says, "We are blown away every single week as we get the privilege to watch our 'I Seek Fire' single climb the Billboard Modern Rock Indicator Charts--up to #21 this week. The feeling is unexplainable. Our hearts are full. The way the PDs and MDs at commercial modern rock radio have embraced our song, the fantastic love of our label Wicked Cool Records, our "won't accept no for an answer" team, and the undying belief of our fans has kept us going more than they know. This kind of excitement surrounding our newest song and upcoming album has meant the world to us. The unwavering love of our most ardent supporters who are already successful in the music industry has changed everything. They know who they are:) THANK YOU. We couldn't ask for more."
“Ultimately, our new album is about rising above all of the slights, injuries, and traumas we’ve all experienced - personally and together - and positioning ourselves into a new place we’ve chosen. A place with renewed courage and vitality. We realize we are all deserving of a life driven by our choices and power,” says ZouZou Mansour, lead singer and lyricist for Soraia.
The video for that track was directed by Sam Shapson (Yeah Yeah Yeahs , Demi Lovato, Oliver Tree, Thrice, Corey Taylor, All Time Low, MKG, Poppy).
The LP begins with the hard rock we’ve all come to expect of the band. As David Fricke, formerly of Rolling Stone Magazine claims, ”Searing guitars, burning soul, and true CBGB grit: Soraia are the rock you need in your face now” and they have not changed their step here. The album opens ferociously with an emblazoned “YEAH!” in “Jokers, Thieves, and Liars” and doesn’t let up through Side B.
Though the album focuses on hard-driving melodies, the band passionately explores new territory in some tender moments. ‘Jackson’s Song’ – a surprisingly simple song yet beautifully tragic love story between two bikers - is a vulnerable spot on the album. It’s one partner’s confession of her changing emotions and personhood that ends in a solid moment fated by twisted loyalty. Another anthemic song is the soul-defining and very personal ‘Mephistopheles’ which closes the record. A claim on current culture mirrored in an intimately personal experience, Mephistopheles himself is a charmer – both wildly alluring and utterly deadly. The song’s highlight is the dark angelic backgrounds in the final chorus—a statement that visually brings to mind Dante’s Inferno. ’’Mephistopheles’ is about a real experience and holds its place at the end of our record for a reason….” affirms ZouZou Mansour, lead singer and lyricist for Soraia.
With every release, Soraia continues to gain experience, momentum, and strength. They have garnered the attention of many soulful rock legends in the music business, including Jon Bon Jovi, Steven Van Zandt, and Joan Jett. The core band features ZouZou Mansour (lead vocals), Travis Smith (bass), and Brianna Sig (drums). Together, they have unmatched chemistry and passion for the music they play.
Soraia does what they do best on 'Bloom': shine and reflect through personal stories a universal identity we all share. Their songs promise life after loss, and survival that is both fragile and tough.
'Bloom' is the promise of redemption, newfound passion, and dark warriorhood. The black lotus rising from the mud that blooms into the most beautiful flower: it blossoms from its sin, scars, and final survival—a spirit brimming with strength. What has kept these warriors together through thick and thin is that bond. That darkness. That hope: To grow together.
Soraia recently opened more shows for Joan Jett and wrapped a run of shows with Hayley and The Crushers. See additional dates below, including a hometown show at Philly's Kung Fu Necktie on December 10th.
Upcoming shows:
10/31 Providence, RI // Dusk
11/1 New Haven, CT // Cafe Nine
11/2 Troy, NY // The Hangar on The Hudson
11/4 New York City, NY // Berlin Under A
12/10 Philadelphia, PA // Kung Fu Necktie Bloom Album Release Event
Track Listing:
1 Jokers, Thieves, and Liars
2 Tight-Lipped
3 I Seek Fire
4 Broken Cocoon
5 She's Already Dead
6 Hammer and the Anvil
7 Secret Medicine
8 Strutter
9 Jackson's Song
10 Mephistopheles
PHOTO BY Cassandra Panek
