Leading up to the 2024 Dour Festival, Cement Magazine chatted with SOROR about their first time participating. Here’s a preview of why they’re a must-see act.
Get to know SOROR
Drawing on inspiration from sensitive and joyful emotions found in feminine family dynamics found in sisterhood, Sophie Chiaramonte (bassist) and Alice Ably (lead vocalist) drive SOROR’s striking energy. The Brussels-based group also consists of Thibaut Lambrechts (guitar), Théo Lanau (drums) and Christophe Lemmens (sound engineer). Combining their unique backgrounds, SOROR manages to blend psychedelic / indie rock, akin to artists like Warpaint, with improvised jazz beats.
“We both come from families of sisters. Sophie has three sisters and I have… six sisters! So of course, sisters are important to us…” – Alice in Le Suricate
This is partly due to Théo’s involvement in the jazz music scene. Before SOROR, he was the youngest to perform at the Marciac Jazz Festival in France. That said, it’s no surprise that city like Brussels, home to an eclectic jazz community, is where Théo and SOROR came together. Since the group’s formation in 2017, they’ve grown and fine-tuned a tight sound.
During their career, SOROR has participated in competitions and showcases such as Concours Circuit, where they were the 4th finalist in 2018. They also released a self-titled EP in 2019, and debut album, titled “New Born” in 2023. Throughout their process and development, they’ve participated at residencies at EDEN, Le Brass, Rockerill, and Le Victor in Charleroi as well at Le Botanique in Brussels. These space allowed the group to work on their stage presence and fine-tune a unique style.
It’s also in Charleroi where SOROR directed and filmed their video for “Shadow of a Doubt.” The result is a mesmerizing, intriguing lens into what to expect from the group. When watching, it’s hard not to imagine it existing within the realm of Twin Peaks. There’s a slightly haunting, yet enchanting vibe.
As their Dour debut approaches, SOROR remains busy working on their second album. The festival comes at the end of a tour throughout France, Belgium, and Germany with stops at Fusion Festival and Indie Night in Dortmund. Beyond this, SOROR has big plans for breaking into new scenes.
