Sodastream (band)

Sodastream
Sodastream
Occupation	Folk rock duo
Years active	1996–2007, 2013–present
Known for	Folk rock music

Sodastream is a folk rock duo originating from Perth, Australia, established in 1996. The group comprises Karl Smith, who handles lead vocals and acoustic guitar, and Pete Cohen, responsible for double bass, bass guitar, piano, and backing vocals. They have performed extensively throughout Australia, the United States, Europe, and Japan, achieving national airplay on Triple J. Their discography includes four studio albums: Looks Like a Russian (2000), The Hill for Company (2001), A Minor Revival (2003), and Reservations (2006). The band disbanded in 2007 but reunited in 2013 after both members collaborated in Lee Memorial starting in 2011.

History

Formed in Perth in 1996, Sodastream initially featured Peter Ronald Cohen, Adam Johnson on drums, and Karl Stephen Smith (formerly of Thermos Cardy). Their first EP, Enjoy (1997), was released through Aquamudvuv Records. Following Johnson’s exit, Cohen and Smith continued as a folk rock duo without a permanent drummer. Critics praised their work for its "poignant lyrics" coupled with "subtle instrumentation."

After relocating to Melbourne in 1998, they released their second EP titled Practical Footwear, co-produced alongside Jason Brown. The band secured deals with several independent labels including Trifekta Records in Australia, Tugboat Records in the UK, and Drive-In Records in the US. The American release of Practical Footwear contained six tracks that showcased a mature folk-pop style.

In 1999, Sodastream embarked on their inaugural European tour. Their debut full-length album, Looks Like a Russian (2000), was co-produced by Gavin Tempany and Laurie Sinagra with Marty Brown contributing drums. The record was lauded for its intimate vocal delivery and richly atmospheric soundscapes. Subsequent touring expanded their reach beyond Perth and Melbourne while receiving national radio support.

Their sophomore album, The Hill for Company (2001), involved production by Sinagra, Tempany, the duo themselves, and featured Brown on drums once again. It earned acclaim for its blend of rawness and sophistication by integrating acoustic arrangements with guest appearances on viola and trumpet. Following this release, the band conducted multiple tours across Australia and Europe.

Between 2002 and 2003, Sodastream extensively toured Europe, appeared live on Italian MTV, completed two Australian national tours, and made their debut visit to Japan. Their third album, A Minor Revival (2003), produced by Cohen and Smith alongside Brown and James Walker of Machine Translations, was recognized for its optimistic indie-folk melodies incorporating guitar, double bass, viola, trumpet, and percussion elements.

In 2004 they undertook their first tour of the United States followed by additional European and Australian dates. The EP Take Me with You When You Go, recorded from March to July 2005, was noted by critics for its soothing yet engaging combination of acoustic guitar and double bass underscored by strong songwriting.

Their fourth studio effort, Reservations (2006), self-produced by Cohen and Smith, received widespread critical praise for its evocative lyrics paired with melodic sweetness. This release supported another European tour and was shortlisted for the Australian Music Prize in 2007.

On 18 February 2007 Sodastream announced their split with a final performance scheduled for 2 March in Melbourne. The decision aimed to protect the artistic integrity of their work following an intense period of touring after Reservations. Smith later described the band’s state as having "fallen apart" after this demanding phase.

After disbanding, Cohen joined Khancoban before moving on to Luluc. Smith formed Lee Memorial in 2008; their album The Lives of Lee Memorial came out in 2009 featuring collaborations with Tom Lyngcoln, Laura MacFarlane, and Matt Bailey. Additionally, Smith contributed to Small Sips’ alternative country album The Morning Ripples in 2006. By 2011 Cohen had reunited with Smith within Lee Memorial.

In January 2013 Sodastream declared their reunion with intentions to perform live shows and produce an album combining previously unreleased tracks alongside new material.

Studio albums

Looks Like a Russian CD (Released 22 May 2000)
The Hill for Company CD (Released 3 September 2001)
A Minor Revival LP/CD (Released 4 August 2003)
Reservations LP/CD (Released 22 May 2006)
Little By Little LP/CD (Released 13 February 2017)

Live albums

Concerto al Barchessone Vecchio 28 04 02 live CD (Issued June 2004)

Extended plays

Enjoy CD EP (1997)
Practical Footwear CD EP (1998)
In Between Times CD EP (2001)
Take Me with You When You Go CD EP (Released 3 October 2005)

Singles

"Turnstyle" 7" vinyl EP (1999)
"Homesleep" Singles Club CD-single, number 6 (2003)
"Constant Ships" promotional CD-single (2003)

External links