Songs swirl around in our subconscious much like childhood tales, fables, and fantasies do. Regardless if we only hear them once or on repeat countless times, they leave lasting resonances. Brazilian-born and Los Angeles-based three-piece SOFIA make a similar subconscious imprint via their 2020 independent debut EP, Stories For The Sleepless. Elegant guitar, hyperactive bass, sweeping soundscapes, airy synthesizers, plainspoken lyrics, energetic drums and hypnotic harmonies open up the group’s first chapter with expressive, yet expansive transmissions of alternative rock.
Now, the trio — Alex Novaes [guitar], Leo Bomeny [vocals, bass], and Bruno Lamas [drums] — welcome listeners into their story.
“We all grew up on bedtime stories, old fairytales, science fiction, and fantasy,” says Leo. “When you read a book as a kid, you relate to the characters and feel less alone. You realize others have the same feelings, thoughts, and fears you do. We try to make music that does the same thing. Maybe, you can see yourself in our narrative too.”
The musicians rallied around a unified vision from the moment they crossed paths, drawing on diverse influences ranging from Tame Impala, Muse, Mutemath, and Pink Floyd to Metallica, Led Zeppelin, Twenty One Pilots, and even Soundtracks like The Lord of the Rings.
The guys soon chose the name “SOFIA” as the band’s name after scanning mythology books with the desire “to create a character the music could represent.” Crafting a singular sound, they combined succinct storytelling and artful instrumentation to yield the concept behind Stories For The Sleepless.
“We’re taking snippets of real relationships and infusing them into the songs,” Alex continues. “They’re identifiable experiences of relationships, love, and friendship. It’s like having a bedside book you can tap into.”
SOFIA introduce this collection with the first single and opener “Coconut.” A steady drumbeat drips between echoes of clean guitar, spacey soloing, and ethereal vocals. It builds towards the resounding admission, “I’m out of my mind, I’m so confused, but if my devil inside loves the angel in you, I’m happy.”
“It’s about acceptance,” Leo continues. “You become happy with the little things. You find joy in the madness and the chaos of two complex, emotional, and different people. It’s about being at peace with whoever you’re with.”
Elsewhere, “Sad” takes flight on an off-kilter riff as it urges, “It’s a story of someone frustrated because they see their partners self-destructive habits and can’t do anything about it,” according to the frontman. Stories For The Sleepless spirals to a close on “Stranger.” The track ramps up into a gallop of distorted guitars and one final hard-hitting hook.
“One day at the end of a relationship, you wake up,” Leo goes on. “You’re still the same, but your partner is a stranger to you now. Things were so one-sided. None of the promises at the beginning of the relationship were fulfilled. This isn’t the person you were familiar with. It’s a stranger.”
With this sort of honesty and relatable narration, SOFIA’s music takes up residence in your head like any good old-fashioned tale will.
“It’s almost as if you’re jumping into these songs with us,” Leo concludes. “You’re transported first-person. By seeing those emotions in someone else, you can better understand yourself. We try to build a community. Hopefully, you can be at peace when it comes time to go to sleep and dream because no one can touch you there—and we’re the soundtrack.”
