In my review of Sirens, I explained that the The Sun Sawed In 1/2 were never afraid to take chances and that that offering was more Modern Pop than their usual habitat. Well now we have the third and final instalment of the trilogy and here they are more in expected territory.
These releases are classed as EPs, but are much closer to many album releases at 25 minutes plus and these six songs cover the full scope of Pop Rock with both originality and familiarity. Hooks aplenty and big choruses are the order of the day.
The are plenty of twists and turns, but are all are in a much narrower remit than the first two of the series as though the band wanted to show that they could still write straight ahead commercial Pop. Twist Of Lemon is wonderful and the most straight ahead of the presentation, being the closest to Power Pop.
However, it is the deviations that interest most and Call For A Good Time has so much going on. Changes of tempo mixed with Brass and Rock Guitar that never lose site of the sheer catchiness of the song. It is a wonderful song.
The title track is a big ballad, a slowed down joy whilst Too High Strung is all big Orbison like twang Pop Rock with a massive catch all chorus. Falling In Slow Motion is the biggest arrangement, particularly Vocal wise. A Better Place sounds like a big 60s Studio number with Psych and Country instrumental in and outs.
There is no doubt that this is the most accessible and straight ahead release of the trilogy. However, across all three you are reminded of just how inventive the band are. There are so many completed ideas and original takes that, in my mind, The Sun Sawed In 1/2 have many peers, but no betters.
You can listen and buy Sirens and all three releases here.
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Epic review. Thank you!
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