American psych-rockers Sleepy Sun’s third studio album finds the band in a more concise, restrained form, swapping the drawn-out distortion of previous efforts for a raw brand of garage rock.
It’s been nearly three years since Fever, and in this time the band parted ways with co-vocalist and core member Rachel Fannan, and her voice and its contrast to vocalist Bret Constantino is sorely missed.
Album-opener ‘Stivey Pond’ gets things off to a playful, albeit rushed, start, before the upbeat and thoroughly enjoyable ‘She Rex’ signals the new direction of the band.
Opening with distinct drumming merged with some catchy guitar work, the song is the band at their best, and it allows Constantino’s soaring vocals to shine with minimal distortion.
‘Creature’ is heavy and brooding, before breaking into cheery guitars and catchy hooks in abundance midway through, and just when you think it’s over, the band break back into an extended outro breakdown filled with fuzzy guitars and restless drumming that fades the song out.
‘Boat Trip’ slows things down with quiet vocals and plucked guitar lines, demonstrating the diversity that the band possesses, which is reinforced with ‘Still Breathing’, which begins with an elongated drone before the unexpected introduction of acoustic guitar and even harmonica.
It’s a welcome change of pace in the album, and it’s moments like these that ensure the album remains interesting and engaging.
Spine Hits isn’t without its forgettable moments however, and much of the second half of the album blends together in a fuzzed mess lacking any real stand-out moments.
‘Lioness (Requiem)’ brings the a record to a close, one that’s bound to shock ardent, long-time fans of the band. However, if Spine Hits is judged in its own right, it’s for the most part an impressive release.
