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Suns

Close Calls In The U.S. Space Program / The Howl And The Many

Written by: TL on 23/01/2011 18:27:22

When Chicago six-piece Suns originally finished their two first ever recording sessions together, the point had been all the while that the product was to be a debut album. For one reason or other however, Suns eventually decided that the songs deserved to be kept apart, and hence here we are, reviewing their two simultaneously released debut EPs "Close Calls In The U.S. Space Program" and "The Howl And The Many".

What exactly prompted the decision to release two EPs instead of an LP, I have no idea about, because as far as I can hear, it's not like Suns are all that different on one EP compared to the other. Utilizing an eclectic ensemble of different instruments - mandolin, synths, guitar, bass, banjo, glockenspiel, clarinet and a variety of pianos/organs - Suns appear to consistently craft gloomy, multi-layered soundscapes alá late As Cities Burn, from within which their main vocalist croons with a prolonged sense of strained anguish that reminds me of Aaron Gillespie's most depressive parts in Underoath.

That's all well and good, but while I want to commend the band for skillfully making all these instruments come together, my main impression from both their EPs, is similar to the reaction I remember having upon hearing The Receiving End Of Sirens material when that band got overly ambitious - That is, a little "less is more" thinking could possibly have done wonders. While Suns' atmospheres are certainly vast and immersive, they offer little in the way of things for your attention to cling to. This reflects negatively upon them, when comparing them to similarly sounding bands like As Cities Burn and Brand New, both of whom have exhibited masterful ability when it comes to creating moments of simultaneously haunting atmosphere and instant memorability.

This makes these EPs appeal to a slightly narrow audience, seeing as it takes a post-rockers patience and attention to experimental details, to truly appreciate the craft of Suns. For the rest of us, we get a hint of something good in the crawling, threatening "Don't Do It", but overall, this is one - wait, I mean these are two - that will have your attention drifting on and off.

Download: Don't Do It
For The Fans Of: As Cities Burn, Brand New, The Receiving End Of Sirens, Aaron Gillespie
Listen: suns.bandcamp.com

Release Date 31.08.2010
**Self-released**