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Sonny Smith likes to dabble in various things: collaborating with The Sandwitches, making up bands, and not to mention the music for his own band. While not the most complex of bands, Sonny and the Sunsets still manage to produce excellent and ever so jangly indie pop/rock that is sure to prove enjoyable for everyone.
One of this band’s greatest attributes is the shortness of each song: most of them traverse the time period of two minutes, which is perfect for this kind of music. On the first and longest song, “She Plays YoYo With My Mind,” Sonny starts things off muddily as he paints a narrative of a love that is playing tricks with his mental sanity. Soft clicking starts out the song, which is joined later by that tambourine and the classic bass. The song builds upon itself, layering simplistic element on top of simplistic element, giving the outcome of raw pop. With all of the bands that work so hard to create intricate sounds through the use many instruments, and/or electronic components, this band’s sound feels like a whiff of fresh air. I mean, I love all of those highly detailed bands, but it’s nice to have a break every once and awhile.
As I mentioned earlier, the simplicity of this band is really what makes their sound so appealing and enjoyable. With tracks like “Home and Exile,” that rely on the simple harmonization and juxtaposition of Sonny’s bitter vocals with that of him female counterpart. On this track and overall, Sonny and the Sunsets, with their janglieness being the center of their sound, sound similar to that of a much more fun and poppier Dutchess and the Duke. They explore all kinds of topics in their lyrics, from that of their teenage years, to sadness, to the feeling of being radioactive. To finish off the album, “Pretend You Care” chimes in with its surfy, angled guitars and high-pitched synth. At the end of the song, you have a lovely breakdown of more of this guitar with some matted drums. It’s that point in the album where you appreciate all that this band has done, if that point hadn’t already happened.
Like the title of the album, Sonny and the Sunsets give you song after song that makes you love them, and easily at that. Upon the first listen, I was transfigured by their perfect-for-summer, or any season, sound that transcends its simplicity. Unlike other albums that take time to love, this one is a hit right off the bat. So have a listen.
It seems that the train ride with the Sandwitches is almost over, which is sad, as some are just getting on board with the group’s sound. Their darkened tones on this new LP have been much discussed, but the music you’ll find on their latest single exemplifies how well the band execute a rolling rock song. It’s got an understated guitar jangle, yet it employs the girls’ playful vocals,which always raise the listeners spirits. Our Toast, the final album, will be out on June 9th via Empty Cellar Records.
