ALBUM REVIEW: Sundiver – Boston Manor
Over a decade has passed since BOSTON MANOR burst onto the scene with their 2013 debut EP Here/Now. Fast forward to the present day and the Blackpool-based five-piece have just released their fifth studio album Sundiver via SharpTone Records. 2022’s Datura is the perfect predecessor to Sundiver, with this new release exploring more optimistic themes such as sobriety, rebirth and second chances, in complete contrast to the last. As well as new topics of conversation lyrically, Sundiver also leans musically into the 90s and 00s bands that influenced BOSTON MANOR in the first place, drawing inspiration from groups such as PORTISHEAD, DEFTONES and even THE CARDIGANS.
Apparently the band had initially considered going down the same musical trajectory as their previous record, but they ended up opting for something a lot more positive. Vocalist Henry Cox elaborated: “We could’ve written Welcome To The Neighbourhood on steroids, where it’s just absolute darkness and misery. But I think it’s really important to write something that people can be immersed in and find some sort of solace in. Somewhere they can escape to from the modern day pressures and everything that’s going on. We’re all in this together.”
Opening track Datura (Dawn) is an unexpected shoegaze-inspired number. It almost puts you in a dream-like state whilst listening to it, which is most definitely not a criticism – a perfect introduction to the album. Container brings back the BOSTON MANOR we all know and love. It is the first hard-hitter on Sundiver with a fantastically infectious chorus which is hard to dismiss. Interestingly, the melody sounds like it could be a B-side from their 2021 EP Desperate Times, Desperate Measures.
Sliding Doors has an obvious DEFTONES and THE SMASHING PUMPKINS influence both instrumentally and vocally. The vocal heaviness is slightly unexpected from Cox, but it definitely works in his favour. The lyrics will certainly relate to fans old and new, discussing the possibility of your life spiralling off into other directions and the outcome of that. “So much is down to chance and circumstance. You might catch that train and your life totally changes. Or you might miss it and things stay the way they are,” explains Cox.
Next track Heat Me Up is another fantastic effort which is also going to be relatable to a lot of people. It speaks about a romantic infatuation, combined with gratitude for your present situation in life – a refreshing take. “Another theme on the record is just appreciating what you have. It’s about not taking for granted the things that you’ve been afforded.” However, despite the optimistic, feel good nature of the track, it just doesn’t have the same impact as those before it, and is actually very forgettable.
Morning Star is an instrumental with a real mixture of 90s garage style sounds and further shoegaze elements. It nestles itself into the midst of Sundiver impeccably. Why I Sleep is up next, and is really impactful and a great addition to the album, while Fornix drifts into slightly heavier territory which suits BOSTON MANOR immensely. Unfortunately, that is the only memorable thing about this track, and Dissolve is much catchier by comparison.
What Is Taken, Will Never Be Lost is possibly the most vulnerable and stripped back track on Sundiver. Dealing with the death of Cox‘s dementia suffering grandfather, the track is a soft rock PORTISHEAD-inspired number which is emotional to say the least. “It was just fucking horrible. It was always cold when I went there (the hospice) and they were always trying to get rid of me. The song title is the idea of his memory fading at the time because of dementia. He lived a really rich life, and it has really impacted me and my father. His legacy is etched into the fabric of history in a very small way.” DC Mini featuring HERIOT is the final track, but is sadly another forgettable one, although HERIOT vocalist Debbie Gough brings some much needed energy to proceedings just in time.
On the whole, Sundiver is a mixed album, with some sure-fire highlights not limited to Container, Heat Me Up and What Is Taken, Will Never Be Lost.Whilst the production is excellent throughout, the lyrical content is lacking in some areas. Despite this, it is clear that BOSTON MANOR are attempting to push themselves creatively, experimenting with varied genres which all suit the band deeply. It could just hit a bit harder and have a bit more impact.
Rating: 7/10
Sundiver is out now via SharpTone Records.
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