Out a week or so back was the debut two-song 7" from Philadelphia trio Sun Within, a project that features lineup ties to Rainbow Crimes, amongst others (including whitepicketfence, covered herein a few months back), and I suppose it's fair to describe their approach as a grungy form of alternative/indie rock. Opener "Luminous Events" creates an almost drone-like feeling through the repetition of an ascending/descending riff while the vocals counter melody with a subtly sneering undercurrent.
A bit darker but quite memorable, "Synthesis + Realization" is the immediate standout for me with its more bent-up and angular riffing—accented by more backing vocals and some intense screaming that aligns with its subject matter.
The production is fairly straightforward. As a stripped down trio, guitar and bass play nearly equal roles; whereas the vocals and percussion are somewhat restrained in the mix, which keeps everything feeling warm and cohesive.
The full-color outer sleeve opens from the center of the back cover to reveal a black vinyl 7"; double-sided insert with lyrics, credits, and a photo; plus a sticker of the band logo. The A-side lyrics are a bit more abstract:
Crackle and simmer
Ignited, united:
The creative combustion
Of our sun within
While the B-side is more pointed and intense:
A broken rib, a broken heart
It's torture to sit with the feelings so healing can start
Tell me: how's it fair he gets to move forward
While she's stuck looking side to side?
A rather enjoyable couple of songs, and—7"s being my second-favorite format—I'm excited that Exotic Fever has been revisiting this oft-neglected option as of late!
Get It
- Exotic Fever Records (7"—add to cart in the left sidebar)
- Bandcamp (7", mp3)
- Apple Music (stream)
- Spotify (stream)
