The SOMA story begins at the start and ends at a yet-to-be-determined point most likely sometime in the future. Originally conceived as a band that would play rock music, SOMA has evolved into a band that plays rock music.

The brainchild of evil guitar genius David Shadbolt and his trusty sidekick Tubbz 'why do I have to be the sidekick' Armani, SOMA was little more than two men with big dreams and curious facial hair until they found vocalist Brad Stubbs and drummer Mark Howard and truly became a band.

Second guitarist Leeroy D'Lyte arrived on SOMA's doorstep a short time later and he was so damn cute they just had to keep him.

Having finalized the line-up in late 2004, SOMA spent the early portion of 2005 playing shows in and around their home town Sydney, Australia and recording their debut EP, 'before we drown...'.

After a nationally televised talent search (which SOMA neither featured in nor endorsed), Mark was replaced by the hard-hitting Den Murray.

The latter part of 2006 and early 2007 were spent fortifying the new line-up, enjoying a variety of local and imported cheeses and working on their as-yet-untitled debut album.

2008 brought more turmoil to the SOMA camp when Den was struck down by a mysterious virus after an incident with a lady-boy in Bangkok. The virus rendered him unable to rock and he was forced to resign from the band.

The heartache of Den's departure soon gave way to jubilation at the arrival of the affable Chris P Bacon. Chris brought a new vitality to the band with his reasonably quick wit and powerful forearms.

These changes of personnel have done nothing to dampen the enthusiasm, creativity or musical intensity of the band and SOMA remains a sonic force to be reckoned with.

The future still holds many things for SOMA, most of which have yet to occur so no further details are currently available.

To be continued...

Following the release of 'before we drown...' in October 2005 SOMA raised their public profile with national radio airplay and an intensified live schedule.

As the weather turned cold in the winter of 2006 and the bugs wove themselves into their cocoons, SOMA was undergoing a metamorphosis of its own. Leeroy departed in search of warmer climes and a competent hair-stylist, leaving a well-worn guitar groove for Axe to slide into.

Then, following a near-career-ending hand injury and a failed assault on the world poker championship, Mark lost his will to beat things and retired to pursue other interests.