SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: THE SUNCHARMS – DARKENING SKY

THE SUNCHARMS
DARKENING SKY
SUNDAY RECORDS

The Suncharms are a band with an interesting history. They date back to 1989, and called it a day in 1993, but not before releasing a couple of EPs. In 2015 they reformed, and since then have released two albums. Darkening Sky is their third album and their best yet. They refer to themselves as shoegaze, but listening to Darkening Sky, there is a lot more to this band than that label would indicate.

The band writes interesting ‘jangling’ pop songs, with a hint of Jesus And Mary Chain. But like fellow artist from Sheffield, Richard Hawley, their songs are layered and full of interesting sounds. “Stone Tape Rewind,” for example, has a little country going on in the song with Palmer’s straight vocals. But in combination, it creates a mood and brings the listener along into some new musical territory. “A Snowstorm,” which ends the album, is very much a mid-1960s pop song (which includes a few backward tapes). It sounds new, fresh and again, the band shows how tight they are and play off each other.

Lyrically, a song like “A Snowstorm” leaves a great deal of interpretation for the listener. “Ferris Wheel” is a highlight of the album. The song is melancholic, sparse sounding and builds musically. The lyrics for the album are a strong point and should not be overlooked.

Bassist Richard Farnell and drummer Chris Ridley form a perfect rhythm section, which allows guitarists John Malone and Matt Neale to add their guitar layers, and everything comes together. Palmer, as noted, has the perfect vocals for the songs and they make very listenable music. Darkening Sky works best as an album, rather than a collection of songs. It is not a concept album, but it has a beautiful flow, and the sequencing of songs is one of the many charms of the album. Darkening Sky is a welcome return for this brilliant band. It has been three years since their last album (Things Lost), which in retrospect seems far too long to have waited.

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