[RATING: 5] Ooh hello what’s this? Soma? Ah yes – the new one from from Mungo’s Hi-Fi employing the undeniable vocal talents of songstress Marina P. Er – Soma, though? Surely not a reggae version of Smashing Pumpkins’ tedious 90s misery-fest Soma? The very same! It’s amazing the wonders a reggae makeover can do – just consider Capitol 1212’s similar approach on their re-version of Joy Division’s Love Will Tear Us Apart for example. Mungo and Marina’s equally impressive Soma is mercifully shorter and infinitely more delightful to listen to than the Pumpkins’ grunge original while also managing to be slightly more upbeat despite retaining Billy Corgan’s reach-for-the-razorblade lyrics. Perhaps it’s the tinkling-piano piano-led melody over ribcage-penetrating bass rumble? Perhaps it’s the vocal balm of Marina P’s vocal delivery; either way, its spiritual home is a lot closer to Hollie Cook’s sunny Caribbean beach shack than Corgan’s dark bunker of the soul.
(Out now on Scotch Bonnet Records)