SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: SEMISONIC – LITTLE BIT OF SUN

SEMISONIC
LITTLE BIT OF SUN
PLEASURESONIC RECORDINGS

Semisonic has released their first new album in over 20 years. In 2020, the band released an EP titled You’re Not Alone, but 2001 was the last time they released a full-length album, titled All About Chemistry. Their newest record, Little Bit of Sun, will not win over any new fans, but for those who grew up listening to the band, it will be a fun trip down memory lane.

Semisonic knows how to make a great power pop and pop rock song. “So Amazed” and “The Rope” are Semisonic at their best. They have a relaxing and warm melody, great hooks, and are full of happy vibes (the whole album might be the most cheerful that I have listened to this year). The former has a nice Beatlesque feel to it as well. The almost always joyful and upbeat feel of the record might get excessive for some listeners, but it never reaches a level that is annoying or disingenuous.

Although the instrumentation of Little Bit of Sun does not break new ground for the band, there are still some very impressive moments. “It Wasn’t Like We Hoped It Would Be” has a pretty sick and punky riff that has become one of my new favourites from the band. Another standout is the bluesy, country, shuffle-like keys and guitar combination of “Out of the Dirt”.

There are some fantastic choruses on this record. None reach the levels of “Closing Time”, “F.N.T. (Fascinating New Thing)”, or “Singing in My Sleep” but they are still delightful. The charming and infectious chorus of “Keep Me In Motion” stands out. It is sure to be a new crowd favourite at concerts. Another highlight is the uplifting “Grow Your Own”. Both of these tracks scream 90s in the best possible way.

Little Bit of Sun is an album that will be a nostalgia trip for 90s kids and is a nice addition to the discography of Semisonic.

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