SpenniesThe Suns - 2.20
July 26th 2006 05:40
THE SUNS
2.20 (2005)
Independent
Link to band website
The once Melbourne-based Suns (I think they moved back to Singapore or something) released their second EP after wowing audiences all over Australia with their dynamic live shows and immensely catchy brand of rock, reggae and pop. I thought they were really fun to see, they obviously put a hell of a lot into their performances and so when I snapped up a CD I must say I was fairly disappointed.
I think The Suns are a good band. They guitar, bass and drums trio are all very competent musicians and definitely know their way around their instruments, but I think that's where the problem lies for me. These songs are achingly simple, these guys have the potential to do so much better, yet it sounds like they are trying to play songs that people will like rather than songs that are interesting or offer something new. I'm pretty sure that's how it worked - their live show is so infectious that when you take those same songs home, they don't have the fun and energy of the performance anymore, they are on their own and will never live up to the expectiations. So without anymore bemoaning or naysaying, I'll tell you once more: The Suns are definitely built for the stage.
So the 5 songs on this EP were all recorded in a bedroom studio I've heard. If this is indeed the case it's a very impressive affair - apart from a few minor hitches and glitches, everything sounds fantastic and their efforts definitely deserves commending. The EP kicks off with the very boppy and upbeat "Let's Make Love", which enlists the help of Mr. Coffee's Horn section but really doesn't do much for me. Usually I just go straight for the second track, "Under Control" which is easily my favourite. A very Sublime-esq riff leads to reggae verses and the rock-out chorus'. It's not a new formula, but they mash all the ingredients the right way here and I love it.
The next song, "Hot Lips" is more of a glam-rock attempt that falls very heavily into the cliche area. There's nothing wrong with it, it just sounds incredibly unoriginal. "Charlene" is just pure pop-rock and "Bootiful Day" is sweet reggae song that really shows the talents of frontman Sanjeev in his guitar playing (he plays some really sweet solo's!) and also vocal skills, but after a few listens tends to fall a little flat.
I think if The Suns sat down and used their collective talents more they could write some really excellent tunes. Until then it just sounds like one big cliche after the next - as easy as these songs are to get into, they are even easier to get out of.
(If you ever get the chance however, go check em out live - lots of fun!!)
2.20 (2005)
Independent
Link to band website
I think The Suns are a good band. They guitar, bass and drums trio are all very competent musicians and definitely know their way around their instruments, but I think that's where the problem lies for me. These songs are achingly simple, these guys have the potential to do so much better, yet it sounds like they are trying to play songs that people will like rather than songs that are interesting or offer something new. I'm pretty sure that's how it worked - their live show is so infectious that when you take those same songs home, they don't have the fun and energy of the performance anymore, they are on their own and will never live up to the expectiations. So without anymore bemoaning or naysaying, I'll tell you once more: The Suns are definitely built for the stage.
So the 5 songs on this EP were all recorded in a bedroom studio I've heard. If this is indeed the case it's a very impressive affair - apart from a few minor hitches and glitches, everything sounds fantastic and their efforts definitely deserves commending. The EP kicks off with the very boppy and upbeat "Let's Make Love", which enlists the help of Mr. Coffee's Horn section but really doesn't do much for me. Usually I just go straight for the second track, "Under Control" which is easily my favourite. A very Sublime-esq riff leads to reggae verses and the rock-out chorus'. It's not a new formula, but they mash all the ingredients the right way here and I love it.
The Suns rockin' in Melbourne town
I think if The Suns sat down and used their collective talents more they could write some really excellent tunes. Until then it just sounds like one big cliche after the next - as easy as these songs are to get into, they are even easier to get out of.
(If you ever get the chance however, go check em out live - lots of fun!!)
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