Stomach Book, a pioneering force in the niche yet vibrant “electromania” music scene, returns with her second studio album, Sophomore Slump Callithump. This experimental artist, known for blending noise, electronic, and rock elements into a unique and emotionally charged sound, invites listeners into a deeply personal space. Released on February 28, 2024, the album serves as a raw and powerful exploration of grief, pain, and ultimately, hope in the face of adversity.
Emerging from a challenging period marked by heartbreak and the loss of her mother, Stomach Book channels personal trauma into a cathartic musical experience. Sophomore Slump Callithump is fueled by these experiences, resulting in tracks that oscillate between jarring electronic experimentation and moments of unexpected melodic beauty. Her vocals, often strained or delivered as screams, articulate the overwhelming loneliness and intense emotions born from these life-altering events. The album is a compelling juxtaposition of metallic noise and almost whimsical, funfair-like electronic melodies – a signature of Stomach Book’s distinctive style.
The album culminates in “December 10th 2021, 11:57pm,” a profoundly moving track directly confronting the passing of Stomach Book’s mother. This song captures the haunting void left by parental loss, musically constructed with an unsettling yet poignant blend of ethereal, almost celestial electronics intertwined with harsh static. This sonic representation effectively conveys the rawness of grief, culminating in a stark silence. As Stomach Book shared on X (formerly Twitter), “[The song] has been almost unchanged until release… I thought about cutting it because it’s very personal and vulnerable for me, but I decided that the album wouldn’t have been complete without it.” This vulnerability is precisely what makes the track so impactful.
Despite its origins in profound personal pain, Sophomore Slump Callithump transcends mere sorrow, becoming an empowering testament to resilience. Stomach Book extends an invitation to listeners, hoping the album “can make you feel a little less alone.” This sense of shared experience, especially around grief and the tentative pursuit of hope, is central to the album’s ethos. Stomach Book’s commitment to using music as an outlet for intense emotion and as a means of fostering connection is the bedrock of her artistic identity. She champions freedom of expression, both emotional and creative, and welcomes us to join her on a journey of healing and personal evolution.
Sophomore Slump Callithump represents a significant stride in Stomach Book’s artistic journey, showcasing both musical and personal growth. This album, forged in the crucible of pain, promises even more compelling work to come.
Experience Sophomore Slump Callithump on Spotify, Soundcloud, and Bandcamp.
