Alex Sudheim
There’s a point in the closing song of no more heavy that serves as a rough telescope through which to view Sunways’ music as a whole:
Standstill is a spooky, minimal song for most of its six-minute duration which suddenly detonates with explosive force. It’s 4am inertia blues until it takes a hit of speed straight into the vein. Its wandering around in a dark basement and someone flicks the light just before the bogeyman leaps out and bites you on the ass.
In a nutshell then, Sunways make rock music that is neither anodyne, radio- friendly fodder nor an angry anti- establishment experiment. Their songs are finely crafted, perfectly honed and for the most part irresistibly catchy, yet it would be an insult to just chuck them on to the bright plastic “pop” slagheap.
There’s too much lyrical subtlety and moments of distinct originality on the album to abandon them to that dubious fate. On the other hand, one is left wishing for more gut-wrenching, visceral intensity to make your jaw bounce off the floor in awe and astonishment.
These contradictory/harmonious elements of Sunways are reflected in their debut CD outing, no more heavy, the five-song EP released nationally this week by indie label Tic Tic Bang! The label signed the Durban three-piece several months ago after word quickly spread about their potent live shows.
No surprise really, since Sunways singer and guitarist Robbie Boake had already established a formidable reputation as guitarist for Durban’s previously pre- eminent rock band Squeal.
After the obligatory rhythm section hiccups every new band has to suffer, Boake recruited Sarah Hills, his beautiful, bass-playing paramour into the equation and the pair look every bit as cool as Sonic Youth’s Kim Gordon and Thurston Moore. Bruce Baker joined on drums, and on stage the band is now a hard, tight unit containing an element of aggression and fire to lift them from the ranks of the merely competent.
no more heavy perfectly showcases Sunways’ structural songwriting skills. The first single, History, is a hook- laden guaranteed hit with melodic guitars and soaring harmonies that come across like a cross between Pearl Jam and the Beach Boys. Venus in her Eyes is a sad and pretty lost-love song, while The Breathers is a shamelessly huge pop- rocker with a jagged chorus that imbeds itself into your brain the instant you hear it.
Though this reviewer hankered after a bit more of the punch and brimstone of Sunways’ live sets and a little less contrivance, the EP is nevertheless an impressive debut from a young and inspired rock band who show every sign of progressing effortlessly from strength to strength.
Sunways play Hoods on December 4 with Boo!