Whilst the UK Indie Guitar Scene seems to be a multitude of bands trying to sound like each other, Europe is releasing more and more interesting offerings. Perhaps we should label the UK Guitar wannabes, Brexit Pop, because it coincides with the Little Englander's lack of originality.
Sunbourne Rd are from Italy, not that you'd know it. Main Man, Alex Siodmak is building quite a back catalogue and none of it sounds like his beloved Alex Chilton. Xie is only five songs deep, but that is more than enough to reveal the versatility and originality of the four piece.
Indeed, the main drawback of these five songs may be that their difference confuses the listener about what the band are actually about. Truth is, they are all these things and much more. Although centring on Pop Rock, it is the journey all around the edges that appeals most.
The title track, Xie, is almost Space Rock in style that morphs into a Cult like Guitar finale. Landscape Fantasy is as commercial as Psych Pop can be, it may be a first, a Psych Cigarette Lighter song. Yet, Let It Go, is a piano pop ballad.
In Dependence is magnificently moody with a riff that seems to want to venture into Blues territory. Told Mara is as straight ahead as you'll probably get with a chorus that hooks. The beauty of this EP is that repeated listens unveils even more layers. Highly Recommended!
You can listen to and buy the EP at one of the links included here.
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