Presenting us with their debut EP, Splendid Suns create an energetic and fresh array of music to fill your Spotify playlist this September. Thorns was produced by a group of 4 individuals from Fife and have since been broadcasting their music across Scotland. There is a professional look to the band that is just starting out, the cover art for EP especially, screams the indie sound they’re presenting. With 5 songs on the EP, Splendid Suns has left me pressing repeat.
Introducing Thorns was the track Outside, exploding into a display of indie rock. This is a great first song for the EP as we really get a feel for the sound Splendid Suns is honing. It’s a song I would happily jam to at a live concert and has a summery feel to it that begs to be presented at festivals. This is the track I was most inclined to sing along to on the EP for sure.
In the next track, the first sound ringing in my ears was the amazing guitar use in Bad Reputation - its bouncing and upbeat strum really carries throughout the piece. This was the stand-out track to me, for that exact reason. The lead guitarist has created a great piece and the introduction section made a lasting impression on the track. The vocals are a strong point in the song too and the repetition in the lyrics complement their indie vibe.
Counting the Changes is the next track on Thorns and holds the strongest rock sound out of all the songs. Half way through the piece is a really nice change in pace which allows for the listener to appreciate the music before steadily speeding up again to a dramatic climax. This interlude made the track stand apart from other songs and created a nice centrepiece for the EP.
Up next was Amends which slowly became my favourite with their cool and steady beats. I like to think of this as a show-off track where the artists can really display what they know, from the rhythms to their charming, festival attitude. Splendid Suns have a good way of introducing their songs and Amends is no exception, as well as the well-written lyrics and guitar solos, making this EP a cut above the rest.
Reducing Thorns to a steady finish was Let Me Know (Asleep) which ended up being another of my favourites on the EP. This slower track made more space for the vocals and the lyrics here were really strong. It was probably the easiest song to listen to and because of that I immediately put it on repeat after my first time listening, making for the most charming song of the EP. It proves that Splendid Suns are able to produce fun and upbeat indie rock as well as toning it down to songs such as this, making for a good contrast on Thorns.
I find that an issue with many new bands, especially when putting together an EP or album, is that a majority of the songs seem very similar. Therefore, when listening to Thorns for the first time I was pleasantly surprised that the band showcased their talents and made each song distinct. For a debut EP, Thorns was brilliantly put together and Splendid Suns has become a band I look forward to hearing from in the future.
You can see more about Splendid Suns and updates on their Facebook page.
To listen to Thorns, check their Spotify or have a look on Amazing Tunes.
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