ALBUM REVIEW: Sunliner – Sunliner
Today we are presented with the self-titled debut of Leeds indie-punk band SUNLINER. Taking influence from the legend that is BRUCE SPINGSTEEN when it comes to his lyrical talents of depicting stories and the trials of everyday people, the goal of the album is to follow an unnamed protagonist as they go through different life events and experiences. The end result? An album full of fantastic rock anthems.
Opening track Palliative Care starts things off gentle before the loud guitar riffs and vocals kick in. Any feeling of being chilled and relaxed is gone as you wake up in shock and find yourself tapping along to the drum beats. A track that seems to reflect on life through the eyes of teen angst, it makes for a strong start which continues with Jo, Joni, May and Maria, a feel good rock anthem that makes you feel happy and energetic.
This album is filled with brilliant rock anthems that range from feelings of frustration with 4am, to the anticipation of escaping the small town life and experiencing freedom with RATS. There’s also the empowering Salad Days, although we admit to getting confused with the line “Things were better in the salad days“. At first we were confused as to what the hell this meant, but a quick Google suggests it means days when one is young and inexperienced. So kudos for using a niche phrase we guess. But regardless this remains a fantastic track.
Most of the album remains fast, fun and energetic, but of course it doesn’t always stay this way. What A Time To Be Alive is a melancholy track that completely shifts from the tone displayed throughout the record. The lyrics seem to pertain to feelings of loneliness and worries, as well as seeming to depict the sad story of a young death. It’s a song that can actually affect you and make you feel emotional.
Sunliner is a record that feels nostalgic; it appears to act as an opportunity to look back over your time growing up as you make mistakes and learn different lessons as you go through the different trials and stages of life. It’s filled with rock anthems and songs that will make you ponder but also want to escape from your reality. If you need the perfect time and place for where it’s best to play it, the next time you’re going on a long trip, more specifically with friends and loved ones, put it on full blast and enjoy.
Rating: 8/10
Sunliner is out now via Lockjaw Records.
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