SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: SUN FREEZING COLD – NOWHERE TO HIDE

SUN FREEZING COLD
NOWHERE TO HIDE
INDEPENDENT

Sun Freezing Cold is a duo out of Montreal consisting of Chantal Ranger (lyrics/vocals) and Guy Pellerin (music/production) and Nowhere To Hide is their third album. Since their last album (2024’s At The Speed Of Light), the duo has expanded their sound and are exploring many more genres and incorporating some very interesting elements into their music. While, for the most part, this is a synth-based pop-rock album, there are some very exciting deviations sprinkled throughout the album.

The duo is very talented. Pellerin provides the perfect music for Ranger. Her vocals are strong, full of emotion and flawless. When she harmonizes with herself it is absolutely breathtaking. For example, “Strange Kind Of Love” is a beautiful breakup song. Pellerin lets the keyboard tap into the melancholy, while Ranger’s vocals are heartbreaking. When she is multi-tracked, it is stunning. The same can be said for the opening track, “Nowhere To Hide”. Like Vince Clarke, Pellerin uses his synth and programming to create incredible melodies that allow Ranger to shine.

Although the album is very synth based, there are some very interesting songs, such as the brilliant “Lazy Dog”. The songs a nice mix of blues (with great guitar) and pop. Pellerin gets to show off his guitar playing skills. It makes one wish there were a couple of more like this on the album. Ranger is up to the task of altering her vocals to provide an angry vocal. “Why Don’t You” features guitar as well and is used very effectively. Elsewhere, “The World Around Me” has a world music vibe that is much lighter in mood.

Nowhere To Hide is a brilliant album. While it is a nice slice of synth-pop, it does not feel retro or nostalgic. Sun Freezing Cold carves out their own sound and style and it works. They have produced an album that is inviting and embracing, full of catchy and emotional songs. Strong lyrics mix with strong melodies, and the end result is a strong album. It is also the type of album that makes one want to return to it as soon as it finishes. Nowhere To Hide is an exciting step forward for this talented duo.

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