Though they definitely show where they’re pulling from on this record, it rarely holds them back from making some of the best rock music around.
Sunflower Bean have once again created an album that is unique and fresh, while still keeping to a tradition that evokes some of the greatest achievements is modern music history.
The focus is always on the smart, economical, classically constructed songs, boasting memorable verses, catchy choruses, intriguing lyrics and peppered with tremendous instrumental breaks.
This is a record made by people who you sense are full of all of the possibilities of the world, looking to cram it all in and make some fine music as a soundtrack. They've done a pretty great job so far.
Though much is often said about Sunflower Bean’s sounds of the past, Twenty Two In Blue is an impressive reflection of their formative years and a place to start talking about their future.
All in all, Twentytwo in Blue spills over with well-crafted songs and sumptuous performances.
Everything on Twentytwo in Blue fits together perfectly; from the songs to the sounds to the performances, it's indie rock and pop at their thoughtful, searching, sweet, and punchy best.
The follow-up does just what Human Ceremony did, but more so. And better.
The 11 songs on Twentytwo in Blue stomp and seethe, while aching for humanity’s future.
A well-rounded and ultimately engaging listen, Twentytwo in Blue is (hopefully) just the start of the line for Sunflower Bean as they look to develop into one of this generation's most interesting and chameleonic indie rock acts.
Although Sunflower Bean’s Twentytwo In Blue won’t be the most original LP of the year, it’s undeniably significant, as it’s an insightful guide book for the older generation in understanding how the youth feel today.
Sunflower Bean may struggle to maintain that glam rock posture, but they sure have gotten better at writing wholesome power pop songs.
If you could focus-group the platonic ideal for "lovable rock music for 2018" into existence, it would sound and look a lot like Twentytwo in Blue.
If Twentytwo in Blue is any indication, Sunflower Bean seems destined to become a pretty good rock band and not much more than that. While they are often exciting, they lack a certain sort of depth. Perhaps that is something that will come to them with age, but for the time being, Twentytwo in Blue is a pretty good party that fades quickly into the recesses of the mind.
Easily the equal of their first album. Giving me some Fleetwood Mac and Cranberries vibes this time around.
Essential track - I was a fool
At 22 and not so blue, Sunflower Bean make a decisive step, with their second album, towards the title of the new Fleetwood Mac.
But who needs the new Fleetwood Mac anyway?
Easily the equal of their first album. Giving me some Fleetwood Mac and Cranberries vibes this time around.
Essential track - I was a fool
Drifting guitars, a sweet singing harmonization and old-school pop tempos is exposed on Twentytwo at its best of its own. There are out many projects with the same vibe and it would be loose it as going on the time. But this particular release has its uniqueness that makes a big difference among others.
FAVS: Burn It, Twentytwo, Memoria, Puppet Strings, Only a Moment, Human For
LEAST FAV: Crisis Fest
At 22 and not so blue, Sunflower Bean make a decisive step, with their second album, towards the title of the new Fleetwood Mac.
But who needs the new Fleetwood Mac anyway?
1 | Burn It 4:19 | |
2 | I Was a Fool 3:33 | |
3 | Twentytwo 4:32 | |
4 | Crisis Fest 3:31 | |
5 | Memoria 3:42 | |
6 | Puppet Strings 4:00 | |
7 | Only a Moment 4:15 | |
8 | Human For 2:23 | |
9 | Any Way You Like 3:43 | |
10 | Sinking Sands 2:32 | |
11 | Oh No, Bye Bye 4:02 |
#4 | / | NME |
#16 | / | Paste |
#22 | / | Far Out Magazine |
#36 | / | BLARE |
#61 | / | Rough Trade |
#73 | / | God Is In The TV |