I built up a Soma Smoothie ES this spring - and love, love, love it. I was looking at Surly before I stumbled across the Soma. I found the Soma a bit more "smooth" on the ride than the Surly, and more sporty for sure. The Soma is my daily rider and I have yet to tire of it or get tired riding it. After a couple months of riding the only upgrade I've had to do is better rims (went for Velocity) and I have all Velo on the rest of it and well, well worth it.
Stu and Alki Bike and Board worked with my on the build - he's also a huge support for commuters and supports both Surly and Soma builds.