Are you longing for spring and summer on these cold, snowy (at least for us in the northeast and midwest) days? Well, here’s a bit of sonic summer fun from Sun Culture, the new project from singer songwriter Chase Coy. It’s energetic and optimistic while being philosophically engaging. You’re gonna like it. Trust me.
From the very start of the album there’s plenty of kickdrum and reverb, making it feel grandiose and powerful. Coy’s vocals are a combination of big arena power and genuine intimacy. Lyrics like “you are my ocean” from the second track “Sea Salt” are delivered with a special kind of connection. It’s like he desires to connect with the person for whom the song is written. And the listener feels that personal connection. It’s like listening in on a personal convo, but it feels so right.
“Boundaries” has a similar syncopated groove, highlighting percussion and electric guitar. Coy’s sound is sure to make some fans in the indie pop world. “The deafening decision kept ringing in my ears and every breath I let out became my atmosphere.” The dude can write, too. Images and emotions swirl from line to line. Using great pop aesthetics it’s not just toe tapping fun songs. There’s a lyrical and musical depth that’s almost hidden at times, but other times looms over the listener. “We can stand up as tall as giants cuz the world is only as big as our bodies as small as we let ourselves be.” I think he’s writing a philosophy book and just not telling us.
“Hold Out” is by far my favorite on the album (not to say it will be others). The vocal harmonies on this song are out of this world. Seriously it sounds like the kind of tight pop harmonies that the song begs for. I’m not sure I’ve heard very many tracks ever that so seamlessly connect the aesthetic of the sound with the ideology of the lyrics. “I’ve made up my mind and you’re scared to death and I’m scared to say this but I will still hold out for you.” It’s a gorgeous sentiment captured with breathtaking harmony. Incredible.
The following “New Kings” is a great anthem. Again the drums drive the beat and the vocals soar. “We carry the weight of these young hearts, swearing there’s gold in these junkyards.” What a great, youthfully vital sentiment. “God Only Knows” is a bit more of a narrative track. It’s almost folk in its storytelling ambiance, but it’s ultimately about confronting one’s own weaknesses in the wake of a dysfunctional relationship. He’s trying to move on, but I’m not convinced he’s too successful.
“Your Fault” has some pretty rad harmonies and a unique melody. Still soundly a “pop” sound, there’s a bit more of an alt rock feel to this one. It’s about falling in love and blaming the lover. Clever. There are also what sounds like steel drums and a calypso (I think?) beat. Groovy. The final track ironically called “Where We Started” is another major track. There’s just so much presence with this song, it’s hard to really put into words. It’s big, but that doesn’t seem quite like the word. “Looking at the time we had I have to wonder where it all went.” The track captures that fabulous moment looking back on something wonderful and complex. I keep thinking of the Grand Canyon. And I think that fits.
It’s a great album. It’s hard to believe the tracks are only in the low thousands in Soundcloud hits. It’s imminently and endlessly listenable. There are a lot of people that should could and would like this album if they’d give it a chance. “If growing up is giving up the best parts then I just want to be the way I’ve been… lately I’ve been looking for a new start to see the way I saw the world again.” Seriously, who doesn’t want to support the kind of visionary that can write a song like that? Support Chase Coy and his fabulous work!
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