Soul Glo: "Diaspora Problems" (Album Review)

Genres: Hardcore Punk, Rap Rock, Noise Rock

Diaspora Problems is one of the angriest records of the year and with good cause. Soul Glo’s confrontational music is both a response and a reflection of the world. Generational trauma is a prominent concept that pops up on this album, and it’s important to look at the perpetuation of past problems. With an unwillingness to sit on the fence, Soul Glo boldly asserts themselves, even if their message may be a hard pill for some to swallow.

Loud, heavy, and rough are all adjectives that can accurately describe Diaspora Problems, but I especially like the word “dense” as a descriptor. All across the album, the songs are filled with passionate rants. Vocalist Pierce Jordan’s belligerent screaming is powerful on its own, but it’s also a more layered performance than just being in your face. A quality that I’ve found helps in keeping the ferocity of the album from becoming draining is how the anger is very targeted. The repeated screams of “Can I live?” or the description of the boredom caused “by the left, protests, and reluctance to militarize” are a few examples of a clear direction and specific vocal choices. It’s great when you can recognize clear intent from an artist, instead of feeling like parts are arbitrarily included.

Likewise, it should be clear to anyone with the most elementary of critical thinking skills that Diaspora Problems’ lyrics are carefully written and important. This aspect of the album is what I find to be the most compelling, having me look over the same lines day after day because of how evocative they are. Lyrically, we get a sense of Pierce Jordan’s upbringing and life, and how that played a role in shaping his worldview. I found it fascinating that the album delved deeply into the why of his core beliefs. It gives a three-dimensional perspective to each thought he expresses. Even those who may disagree with Jordan’s points should see how well articulated they are and might understand how they come from a reasonable place. Due to how much I love the lyrics, it’s somewhat of a shame that they’re not able to truly shine. The mix of prominent instrumentation and thought-provoking lyricism makes it hard to give my full attention to either. There is too much focus placed on both simultaneously, that it’s easy for nuance to get lost or overlooked. However, there are little moments of slower instrumentation and careful annunciation that gives greater understanding. Despite how they can get repetitive, I love these mini-interludes given before we plunge back into insanity. 

Soul Glo raised the bar with this record, and I don’t think calling them a well-oiled machine does them justice. They play together so perfectly that it’s like one singular unit. What I love about this is that this doesn’t mean they have to be clean and neat. The jagged edges that make their punk bangers so hard-hitting are plainly there. With their level of synergy, it just means that everything ends up working together and makes sense together. Even if it takes time for your mind to catch up with the intense string of sound thrown at you, there is a reaction of enjoying the music while you slowly put the pieces together. As mentioned before, the pockets of space that give you time to make sense of things work well to aid the process of understanding. You’re allowed to chew and digest what you’re hearing, but the band doesn’t hold your hand until you feel ready. Just one example of this is “Thumbsucker”, which has an infectious horn section that strengthens the melody. Careful listening leads to better consideration of the excellent compositions, and how Soul Glo really brings them to life. 

Diaspora Problems bursts with soul (no pun intended) and passion. You can feel the life echoing throughout the thundering instrumentation. It practically reverberates through your own flesh and bones. Furthermore, there is power in the relevance of the combative lyrics. They’re filled with so much meaning and awareness of current issues that you can’t close your eyes to them. This album clearly expresses the importance of taking charge and taking control, serving as a great inspiration to do so. Whether it’s through guttural screams or thick basslines, Soul Glo makes sure that their voices are heard.

Favorite Tracks: Spiritual Levels of Gang Shit, (Five Years And) My Family, Thumbsucker, We Wants Revenge, Jump!! (Or Get Jumped!!!)((by the future)), Coming Correct Is Cheaper, The Thangs I Carry, GODBLESSYALLREALGOOD, Gold Chain Punk (whogonbeatmyass?)

Least Favorites: n/a

Enjoyment: High 8

Critically: Low 9

Arbitrary Number: 9.0/10