Album Review: Sunflower Bean - Twentytwo in Blue

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Sunflower Bean - Twentytwo in Blue (Mom + Pop, Lucky Number Music)

Released: March 23rd, 2018

The music and instrumental qualities of NYC-based trio Sunflower Bean is that of an edgy, polaroid picture. This form of photography is popular among Tumblr timelines and young adults due to its vintage value and general aesthetic.

I find the same values and styles all over Sunflower Bean, and even more specifically, their second full-length album, Twentytwo in Blue. As a follow up to their debut album Human Ceremony from 2016, this release is more mature and filling.

The lead single "I Was a Fool" is a charming ode to 1970's pop-rock. Sonically packed with Fleetwood Mac innuendos, this song is undeniably catchy. Julia Cumming's voice effortlessly coasts over the verses while the guitar layers and soft percussion create a warm, enveloping melody.

The more punk-heavy takes are highlighted on "Crisis Fest" and "Puppet Strings", both containing thumping drum patterns and rocky guitar work. "Crisis Fest" is direct reflection on politics and the youth's never-ending efforts to shout for change...

If you hold us back
You know that we can shout
We brought you into this place
You know we can take you out

"Memoria" is another solid cut from the track-list. The bright guitar melody and driving bass-line swim through the vintage production to form a smooth, poppy song. "Twentytwo" has similar qualities, but is a more straightforward indie-rock tune with flashes of pretty string work. For Cummings, this is a beautiful song about self-reflection, growing up, and the concept of talking to your younger-self.

On Twentytwo in Blue, we learn so much more about the trio. Many self-reflection and relationship hardship pieces meld to develop a lyrically strong album. From the poppier tracks to the slower jams, the instrumentals match the words beautifully. The 1970's style, production, and influence is worn on their sleeve and used towards their advantage. Although it is far from a perfect album, Sunflower Bean's Twentytwo in Blue is a catchy, smooth, and emotionally accessible album that shows promise in a band that has mastered the vintage, dream-rock genre. Listen below...

Listen: Sunflower Bean - I Was a Fool

Genre: Indie/Dream-Rock/Dream-Pop/Indie-Rock/Indie-Pop/Vintage-Rock/Soft-Rock

Rating: 7/10

Fav Songs: Burn It, I Was a Fool, Twentytwo, Crisis Fest, Memoria, Only a Moment, Sinking Sands