Recently I had the pleasure of hearing a relatively new band out of Fort Worth called Sun City. Sun City is comprised of Chad Johnson - Guitar/Vocals, Brian Whaley - Bass/Vocals, and Kevin Geist – Drums. These three gents have recently completed recording a new self-titled album which was released last week on August 29th.
Here's the thing: I CANNOT STOP LISTENING TO THIS ALBUM. Seriously. Whaley (Mr. Bass / Vocals) states that Sun City’s influences include The Beatles, Wilco, Radiohead, Fleet Foxes, Beach Boys, Velvet Underground, Talking Heads, Midlake, Grandaddy and more.
Track one on this album, Theory of Relativity, is (to this writer) upbeat and sweet, the kind of song I might imagine being the lovechild of Guster and Matt Costa. The whole album has kind of a dreamy, ethereal quality that makes it great for sunny afternoon drives or going out and feeling infinite with your friends. Johnson’s vocals on British do remind the listener vaguely of a new Beatles-esque genre, complete with whimsical lyrics: “I’m not British, but it’s not my fault.” The guitar work on People in the Seventies is sublime (Go, Chad Johnson!). Daydream, the album’s concluding song, has been on repeat on my cross country running mix for several days now. It’s not fast or hard, instead, just as the title suggests, it’s a sweet melody for remembering that first kiss or any other memory your inner romantic wants to cling to.
Sun City has created something awesome here. Just the type of music we love knowing came out of our fair hometown. There is really something on this album for everyone to enjoy — upbeat at times, slow and introspective at others. It is a lovely blend of alternative, indie, rock, pop, and hope. One cannot listen to this album without expecting to have a good day. What else can a listener ask for?
For those of you out there like myself, I ask you to remember back in the early 2000's when you discovered that awesome indy band (for me it was Sunny Day Real Estate or Patrick Park) that you were just SURE your friends were going to thank you for introducing them to. Well, here’s another one. Sun City. You’re welcome.
The cherry on top? Apparently each band member makes a mean apple pie. Check them out on Facebook HERE.
Hit them up on Twitter at @SunCitySounds. See them live at the Fort Worth Rock Assembly this weekend at J & J Blues Bar in Fort Worth. Details can be found HERE.
