It’s been about 4 ½ years since I’ve reviewed a new record by England’s Sunstack Jones – and this review is 6 months overdue. When we last heard from the band they were delighting listeners with a loose, Verve inspired affair via 2020’s Golden Repair long player. At the time I noted that I thought it was the bands finest hour, but I have to retract that statement – their latest release, Luminous Hands, is the band’s strongest LP to date.
At first glance, not much has changed in their musical trajectory – we still have breezy melodies, wistful lyrics, and an overall sense of indebtedness to Americana. But on this outing the melodies are stronger, the band tighter, and on a few tracks there are prominent bass lines that I don’t recall on previous records. It is clear that the band has made a concerted effort to continuously improve and that’s only a good thing for fans of the band
The album starts off with the title track, a nice introduction to the record. It feels like a California jam – breezy and emotive. “Go with the light ‘till the dark falls” was a lyric that spoke to me on this track, delivered in an unassuming manner. The heavier guitar that takes over the song about the 3:30 mark is a nice touch. Even Though follows that up with an ear worm that’ll be stuck in your head long after the song has faded away. The title is repeated in different affectations, each time imbued with emotion. A slow folk-ish jam. Upstream feels like a Sunday jam around a fire – the band is perfectly in sync and inspires some deep feelings in the listener. Useless Saying is my favorite song on the album and slightly throws a change-up into their sound. An incessant bass line carries the song and allows the band to ride that groove. Psychedelic vibes throughout, feeling like a mix of the best of Oasis and Ride (Andy Bell, is that you?). It’s such a great song; I find myself returning to this tune repeatedly. Can’t Go Back Home closes the record and somewhat repeats the bass line trick – but with a psychedelic guitar higher in the mix. It’s another great song and a perfect way to close the record. The harmonies are stunning. The last minute or so of the song fades into a piano outro before silence. Perfection!
I can’t wait to hear what comes next from Sunstack Jones. I’ve been listening to them for a decade or so by now and each time I hear a new record I can’t possibly imagine how they’ll top it – but they always do. Until next time, fellas.
You can buy the album here.
Verdict: Masterful Tunes
For Fans of: Ride, Ocean Colour Scene, The Bluetones, Cast, Neil Young, Beachwood Sparks
Tracks:
- Luminous Hands
- Even Though
- I Guess That’s Fine
- Cope
- Upstream
- Dear Lord
- Useless Saying
- Laughing
- Moriarty Motel
- Can’t Go Back Home