Zinograffiti: #18 - August, 1996
Zinograffiti: #18 - August, 1996 Bloomshine!
Marathon Records A year ago, we reviewed the Sunny Day Roses EP and promised that a CD was forthcoming. Well, it's here and we've got it.
First, a word about some technical matters. The packaging and artwork on this disc probably sets the standard for indie releases. Instead of relying on hackneyed computer-generated art or cliched images, bLOOMsHINe! boasts an original painting by Doug TenNapel , creator of [video game and cartoon character] Earthworm Jim ! It's very happenin'.
As far as production goes, some smart record company should sign Roses leader Jeff Elbel to a production deal. The sound on this disc is absolutely first-rate, with interesting mixes and almost subliminal touches that tweak the ear at every turn. On top of that, the band gives us twenty-one songs!
Most of those songs [from the EP] have benefited from re-mixing. The rhythms, so cool and so catchy, are more up-front. Every single song builds from an interesting foundation. The band lists about a thousand influences in their press kit, and you can hear almost every one of them.
Lyrically, the Roses are a poetic band. Elbel reunites with Farewell To Juliet partner Brant Hansen for Bean , which gets my vote for best lyric. Of course, I'm a new father myself, but this swirling lullaby (which features what appear to be string-scrapes that sound like baby cries and a great drum track from Jonathan Edwards) from a father to his new son is really insightful. Sitting in the middle of the album, Dig is a real change of pace, with plucked acoustics, whining slide and a guest vocal by Chris Scott of Blackball and Precious Death. The album closes with Pop , a catchy, up-tempo number about staying together through good times and bad.
Everyone in SDR deserves recognition. Lewis Richey plays some great guitar. Elbel is as talented a musician as he is producer. Steve Oberg (who has since left the band) and Chris Edwards contribute solid bass tracks. Suki Chaney has a smoky, mystic voice that fits the lyrics just fine. Guest shots by Chris Scott and Andrew Carter of the Aunt Bettys add spice to a couple of songs.
bLOOMsHINe! is easily the equal of any major label release I've heard this year. I've found myself reaching for it again and again. You should reach for it too. The disc can be ordered through True Tunes, or directly from the band at:
Sunny Day Roses PO Box 1222 El Segundo, CA 90245-6222SunnyRoses@aol.com
- Reviewed by Michael Walker