Photo: Press
NYC's buzziest band Sunflower Bean have played over 100 shows in a year since the release of their debut EP and a 7-inch via Fat Possum. They've been one of the most in-demand up-and-coming acts for booking agents, eager to secure their mesmerising, beautiful take on 80s jangle pop, psych rock, and pop - before they really take off and soar.
With this album though, also released through Fat Possum (home of Fat White Family, Modest Mouse, and Spiritulalized) they look set to graduate from supporting the likes of The Vaccines, DIIV, and Wolf Alice to become a bona fide headline act themselves.
The strength of the 11 tracks on display here captures the broad musical pallet. The '80s jangle pop of Scottish indie hero's The Pastels comes across on opening cut, 'Human Ceremony'. Meanwhile, there's nods to the motorik rhythms of Krautrock on 'Space Rock Disaster' and in instrumental sections on 'I Was Home'.
As a whole, the album floats in and out of the varying degrees of psych, jangle pop and krautrock, often shifting from one influence to another within a song.
The lightest and dreamiest, and jangliest moments are the aforementioned opener, 'Easier Away', 'I Want You To Give Me Enough', and 'Oh I Just Don't Know'.The shimmering reverb drenched guitars and soft vocals could soundtrack the laziest of stoned afternoons.
The starkest contrast to these hazier times is heard on the distorted classic rock guitars and relentless hi tempo punk rhythms on their recent single,'Wall Watcher', and on the Zeppelin inspired 'I Was Home'. The change in mood and sudden rush showcases the electric atmosphere and chaos the band create live, and reflects how they've managed to stand shoulder to shoulder with the intensity of the likes of Wolf Alice.
On Human Ceremony, Sunflower Bean, have outshone anything they've ever previously released. The contrast in power of the EP version of their single '2013' to the one on this outstanding album is proof enough. They say you only get one chance to make a good impression in this increasingly competitive music industry, but Sunflower Bean have taken their opportunity with both hands and run with it - charging into the future. Watch out, 2016 is going to be huge for this band.
Sunflower Bean's upcoming UK February tour dates are below. For tickets and more information, visit here.
2/2/16 Bristol, UK @ Louisiana
2/3/16 Birmingham, UK @ Hare & Hounds
2/6/16 Paris, FR @ Le Pop Up Du Label
2/8/16 Copenhagen, DK @ Ideal Bar
2/9/16 Berlin, GR @ Berghain Kantine
2/10/16 Hamburg, GR @ Molotov Bar
2/12/16 Brussels, BE @ Botanique
2/13/16 Lille, GR @ LA Peniche
2/15/16 Edinburgh, UK @ Sneaky Pete’s
2/16/16 Manchester, UK @ Soup Kitchen
2/18/16 London, UK @ The Dome
2/19/16 Brighton, UK @ Bleach
