CHILDREN OF THE SÜN
The sun is shining outside, the temperature is warm, and I'm feeling in a good mood overall. Hardly the perfect situation for reviewing black metal. Which is fortuitous, as Children of the Sün are bringing the sunshine in contrast to the recent spate of frosty, melancholic aural delights that have passed my way over the Winter and Spring seasons. This is the first I've heard of the band, but their self-described mix of Hendrix, Joplin, and the Spirit of Woodstock drew me in; it is just what I need to bask in this clement weather.
Opening track 'Flowers Intro' is reminiscent of I Mother Earth playing The Doors. Breezy, with just a hint of seriousness. And this aesthetic is carried through the majority of the album. Luscious vocal harmonies, southern rock guitar riffs and leads, and a palpable sense of joy (with a smattering of melancholy to avoid the whole affair coming off as sickly sweet). There are other sonic anchors too. First track proper, 'Her Game', is reminiscent of something from Hanson's underrated second album, 'This Time Around'. 'Emmy' strikes similarities with First Aid Kit (especially their live performances, which tend to be a little more free-form and electrified). While 'Hard Workin Man' shares a feel akin to 'The One in the Sun' by Monica Heldal. It's maybe easy to draw comparisons like this, especially as two of the three I mention are also part of the Scandi-Folk scene. It's also probably lazy, as Children of the Sün are no mere copyists. Despite some strong influences, Children of the Sün certainly have their own identity. They have taken the next logical step with Scandi-Folk (perhaps aping Dylan's divisive decision) by introducing electric guitars to the fold. This isn't a mere dalliance as evidenced by other artists in this genre but forms the backbone of their compositions. It's a solid 70s-inspired classic rock hippy injection. That breezy intro carries over into the title track of the album, which may seem redundant. However, I can see why they repeat it, as it deftly captures the essence of the group, and serves well as both introduction to the band, and as the backbone for the album's namesake track. Lyrically, the songs communicate important themes; 'Emmy' tackles mental health issues, for example. This may seem at odds with the band's largely cheerful aura, but it makes a fine change and reinforces the positivity the band encourages, especially in the face of otherwise despairing situations.
What is perhaps most impressive is that 'Flowers' is the band's debut album. It's a mature offering, which belies both the age of the band as well as its members (they all look rather youthful in their promo pics). I would expect something as strong as this to be further along a band's discography. As such, it'll be interesting to see if Children of the Sün can maintain this momentum. But, for now, we should bathe in the warm glow the band offers.
Opening track 'Flowers Intro' is reminiscent of I Mother Earth playing The Doors. Breezy, with just a hint of seriousness. And this aesthetic is carried through the majority of the album. Luscious vocal harmonies, southern rock guitar riffs and leads, and a palpable sense of joy (with a smattering of melancholy to avoid the whole affair coming off as sickly sweet). There are other sonic anchors too. First track proper, 'Her Game', is reminiscent of something from Hanson's underrated second album, 'This Time Around'. 'Emmy' strikes similarities with First Aid Kit (especially their live performances, which tend to be a little more free-form and electrified). While 'Hard Workin Man' shares a feel akin to 'The One in the Sun' by Monica Heldal. It's maybe easy to draw comparisons like this, especially as two of the three I mention are also part of the Scandi-Folk scene. It's also probably lazy, as Children of the Sün are no mere copyists. Despite some strong influences, Children of the Sün certainly have their own identity. They have taken the next logical step with Scandi-Folk (perhaps aping Dylan's divisive decision) by introducing electric guitars to the fold. This isn't a mere dalliance as evidenced by other artists in this genre but forms the backbone of their compositions. It's a solid 70s-inspired classic rock hippy injection. That breezy intro carries over into the title track of the album, which may seem redundant. However, I can see why they repeat it, as it deftly captures the essence of the group, and serves well as both introduction to the band, and as the backbone for the album's namesake track. Lyrically, the songs communicate important themes; 'Emmy' tackles mental health issues, for example. This may seem at odds with the band's largely cheerful aura, but it makes a fine change and reinforces the positivity the band encourages, especially in the face of otherwise despairing situations.
What is perhaps most impressive is that 'Flowers' is the band's debut album. It's a mature offering, which belies both the age of the band as well as its members (they all look rather youthful in their promo pics). I would expect something as strong as this to be further along a band's discography. As such, it'll be interesting to see if Children of the Sün can maintain this momentum. But, for now, we should bathe in the warm glow the band offers.
LABEL:
FORMAT:
The Sign Records
Album
FLOWERS
Review by Steve Cowan
RUNNING TIME:
34:05
RELEASE DATE:
26th July 2019
TRACK LISTING
1) Flowers Intro
2) Her Game
3) Emmy
4) Hard Workin' Man
5) Sunchild
6) Flowers
7) Like a Sound
8) Beyond the Sun
2) Her Game
3) Emmy
4) Hard Workin' Man
5) Sunchild
6) Flowers
7) Like a Sound
8) Beyond the Sun
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:
Sweden
"It's a mature offering, which belies both the age of the band as well as its members... I would expect something as strong as this to be further along a band's discography."
