I'll add just a little bit on what I know about SOMA.
SOMA is a collaboration between David Thrussell and Pieter Bourke, who I
*think* both also do work for Snog and Eden, respectively. The press sheet I
have on them does not mention Steve Roach as a member, but I wouldn't doubt it
at all, based on some of his other work.
The first SOMA release is a self-titled, 7 track deal that came out about a
year ago on the Mumbo Jumbo label (cat. no. MJM MCD 0001). The flyer I have on
the disc described it as "... and absurd amalgamism of seemingly incompatible
yet consumer friendly techno/reggae/ digital/ Spaghetti-Western/ wimpy ambient
/ analog/ new age/ organic/ flakey influences." Whew! While I haven't heard
their latest release, I will recommend the self-titled debut as definitely
right up the IDM vein of things, with what seems to me a very ethnic/tribal
sort of nature, and heavy use of percussion.
I know a place that may still be able to get the debut release, if anyone is
interested.
Take Care,
steve
--
Steve Kim,
stevekim@casbah.acns.nwu.edu
http://pubweb.acns.nwu.edu/~stevekim