Shake by Sunflower Bean (Lucky Number)

Sunflower Bean
Shake
Lucky Number

Sunflower Bean returns with an EP that is a massive testament to rock and roll. Shake is a small but mighty group of songs that propels the band past shimmering dreamy rock to gritty underworld exemplifying the elements of danger that come with the territory.

“Shake” is like a psychedelic drug party celebrating someone’s exorcism. It’s a hazy mantra to ‘90s alt rock going further than anything say Ash did while pulling in subtle yet organized elements for Butthold Surfers to Royal Trux. If Pussy Galore was polished, you have that same New York midnight trip.

The real rocker is “Lucky Number.” The real highlight of this album, this song is perfect in every way. Musicians take note, this is how you express pure unadulterated emotion in a song. The hooks drag you in only to set up the chorus where vocalist and bassist, Julia Cumming turns you inside out.

The sentiment continues on “Teach Me To Be Bad” where it fuels excess where the narrative of the band’s philosophy is about feeling first, sound following. In this case, you get the feeling that the studio does not fall far from the stage.

Ironically, a song titled “Serial Killer” is ironically most endearing. Blending pop decorations that they are so good at with volume only exemplifies the intentions of the lyrics.

Shake may be a quick listen, but its story lies within the denseness of feeling and rock and roll mystic.