There is a specific kind of magic found in the ruins of San Francisco’s Sutro Baths, a sense of history being reclaimed by the elements. It is a fitting namesake for Sutrobath, a trio whose music feels similarly weathered yet majestic. Comprising Michael Soiseth, Robert Wollam, and Jamie Wollam, the band bridges the misty landscapes of the Pacific Northwest and Vancouver Island with the grit of Northern California. Their latest offering, the 13-track album ‘Extraordinary Life’, is set to be a masterclass in atmospheric storytelling that feels both profoundly intimate and stadium-sized.
While many modern acts lean on fleeting trends, Sutrobath pull from a deeper well. You can hear the melodic DNA of The Beatles and the chameleonic art-rock of David Bowie woven into their textures. However, they ground these influences in the hazy, shimmering layers of dream-pop. The band members are no strangers to the craft; Jamie Wollam notably brings the rhythmic precision honed as the touring drummer for Tears for Fears, while Michael and Robert contribute a wealth of production and songwriting expertise.
The album’s emotional anchor is undoubtedly the focus track, ‘The Last Day of the Rest of My Life’. It is a haunting subversion of the well-worn cliché about new beginnings. Originally penned in 2007, the song has undergone a long evolution to reach its definitive, stark form here. It serves as a dark mirror, trading easy optimism for a gritty, necessary look at self-reflection and the passage of time.
Yet, the record won't be solely defined by shadow. The single ‘Bellyful’ provides a kinetic counterpoint, channelling the raw swagger of The Rolling Stones and the infectious energy of The Dandy Warhols. It’s a "windows down" anthem that proves the band can pivot from ethereal immersion to driving, physical rock without losing their core identity.
Ultimately, ‘Extraordinary Life’ is poised to be an album about endurance. It is a collection of songs that rewards the listener who chooses to lean in. By balancing delicate arrangements with powerful, guitar-driven crescendos, Sutrobath have crafted a sonic journey that feels less like a product and more like a lived experience. For those seeking music with genuine resonance and a bit of dirt under its fingernails, this release is essential listening.
You can stream the lead singles above via Spotify, and for more, join the band today on Instagram.
