Written by Jeremy Hill
New York native, Souly Had released his highly anticipated project “sounds like you’re still here” February 9, 2024. Previously released singles “deadman”, “doomed”, and “paralyzed” appear on the project and serve as the lead singles for Souly’s second EP. These three songs have already combined for over 12 million streams on Spotify alone. This body of work is a quick hitter, nine songs absolutely fly by in 18 minutes.
I cannot say for certain what Souly’s vision was but I will attempt to explain how this project made me feel. Souly speaks to those who have lost someone or something in a relationship. The project starts with Souly begging for closure and leaves us wondering if forgetting would be better after all.
The second track “Cigarettes” can resonate with anyone who has felt left by someone. Is there anything that you do to feel like they are still there? Wearing an old hoody that smells like that person? I think Souly lays out the notion that there are things we may not share with our friends, but do anyway to feel better anyways.
Throughout the project Souly touches on how hard it is to be alone, and the spiral that emotional isolation can cause us. The line “I can’t be on my own, that sounds terrifying,” should resonate with any regular human being.
“doomed” may be the catchiest song on the EP. Sometimes you can tell when things are not going to work, and you feel helpless to change them. The chorus is one of my personal favorites from this project. Particularly when you hear “doomed, doomed, doomed, doomed” dribbled in between the last chorus is an extra touch I noticed and find myself singing along to.
To round out the project are “ghost,” and “deadman” After listening I think of “ghost” and “deadman” as two different takes on the same feeling. Have you ever wanted to connect with someone, but they did not want to connect with you? You notice small things about them while they do not notice you at all. Then you proceed to overshare and they use it against you. I think the titles and lyrics are direct about their inspiration. These two songs are my favorite stretch of the EP, so I encourage you to listen and form your own opinions.
My friend described the project as 21st century melancholy. I agree with the 21st century lens but find myself thinking these have been themes throughout history. Maybe Souly channeled a recurring human experience and expressed it the only way he could. You should spend the 18 minutes listening; however you think about it. Thank you Souly Had!
Listen to sounds like you're still here below,