We’ve been fans of the San Francisco band Sonny & The Sunsets since hearing their splendid single, “Too Young To Burn,” in 2010. That song, and the album it appeared on, Tomorrow is Alright, catapulted the band to indie stardom, and they’ve been riding high on that wave ever since with each recording or video they release, and each new gig or festival they appear at.
Last week, Sonny & The Sunsets dropped the new single, “Green Blood,” which features dreamy, spatial new wave synth notes, understated Joy Division-like beats (albeit with a drum machine), and the whispery, haunting singing from female vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Kelly Stolz.
The restless, somewhat risky, trend of changing gears so dramatically over the past few years continues on Antenna to the Afterworld, which is based on Smith’s alleged contacts with loved ones who are no longer of this physical world, a stark departure from last year’s Longtime Companion, a country-centric album, and stylistically Smith-sonian, that chronicles the end of a ten-year relationship.
“Green Blood” – Sonny & The Sunsets from Antenna to the Afterworld
As a writer of songs, plays, and short stories, Smith has never limited himself to one style or theme as his songwriting over the past three years so wonderfully demonstrates. Antenna to the Afterworld will be officially released on June 11th in the U.S..
Another single, “Dark Corners,” that we got a hold of from the upcoming album, demonstrates how the band’s use of synths fits perfectly, and sonically, with the sci-fi narrative: “I come from the planet of dogs… / And I walk on your streets… / and I can’t wait to find / My little place in your weird world.”
“Dark Corners” – Sonny & The Sunsets from Antenna to the Afterworld
New Sonny and the Sunsets June 2013 Tour Dates
06/13 Hamden, CT The Outer Space *
06/14 Brooklyn, NY Knitting Factory / Northside Fest
06/16 Pittsburgh, PA The Smiling Moose *
06/17 Lakewood, OH Mahalls 20 Lanes
06/19 Indianapolis, IN Radio Radio *
06/20 Detroit, MI The Lager House *
06/21 Chicago, IL Beat Kitchen *
* = w/ Little Wings