Sun Spot ‘Clipping’ - Album Review
Sun Spot are a Bristol-based dream pop band who have just released their first EP: Clipping. [1] They released Johari Window/ Lovesong on Rose Coloured Records in late 2020 and are now celebrating the release of this new EP on the same label. [2] They are playing an album release show at Zed Alley on Sunday the 21st of November that is not one to miss!
Taken by Isobel Turner - @dissonantrose
The band came together in 2018 but the members have been playing and creating music together since their teenage years. Sun Spot are a duo consisting of Will Palmer and George Turner. Will provides the vocals and the bass while George plays guitar, synth and produces as well as doing the artwork for the band.
The EP is made up of six songs which will bring you a variety of genres including new wave, bedroom pop, trip hop and electronics. This ambience is created through waves of synth, distorted vocals and catchy melodies.
The EP opens with the song ‘Clipping 01’ which provides a perfect introduction to the album. It is largely centred around the vocals, of which have multiple layers filled with various vocal effects. This creates a unique sound of a blend between acapella and electronica. It is the perfect opener to the EP, seemingly simple but is sure to resonate with you long after listening.
Track two, ‘n-Body’ is a blend of pop and electronica which makes it the ideal indie tune. This ambience is added to through a catchy percussive beat layered with synth, vocals and guitar. This then progresses into ‘Mercury’ which uses syncopated percussion coupled with lengthy vocal lines, creating a contradiction of styles.
‘Clipping 02’, starts with a melancholic guitar line and then the layered lyrics are brought back which echoes the first track and first appearance of the title ‘Clipping.’ The song gradually builds more layers in for the chorus, especially percussion, which then drop out for the melancholic tone of the verses. This song has a music video by Harry Steel which you can watch here.
‘Ego Death’ then follows which features a catchy beat and vocal line. The backing music then drops out for the line ‘when you realise it all’, making this line particularly resonate with the listener. The last song on the album, ‘Slowly’, is especially pop based and the vocals are catchy throughout the entire song, making it perfect to sing along to and very difficult to get out of your head!
Taken by Isobel Turner - @dissonantrose
The band have recently recorded a cover of the song ‘This is the Last Time’ by The National. [3] This is featured on a compilation album which was created by Riverby and Heavenly Creature Records.
All proceeds of which go to the charity ‘House of Tulip’ which is a ‘non-profit collective creating housing solutions for TGNC people in Louisiana. They aim to provide zero-barrier housing to trans and gender nonconforming people in need of a safe place to stay while growing the supply of affordable housing in New Orleans.’ [4] They have already reached over £1000 raised since the album came out on 5th November.
The band will be playing a headline show at Zed Alley on Sunday 21st of November as a release party for the album. You can get your tickets here: it’s only £5 for one or £8 for a two-ticket deal so it is perfect for a cheap night out to experience the local Bristol music scene! [5]
Sun Spot - Artwork by @afterglow.illustrations
[1] Sun Spot, Clipping EP, (Spotify: 2021).
[2] Sun Spot, Johari Window/ Lovesong, (Spotify: 2020).
[3] Heavenly Creature Records, sad songs for dirty covers - a compilation of the national covers for house of tulip, (Bandcamp: 2021) <https://heavenlycreaturerecords.bandcamp.com/album/sad-songs-for-dirty-covers-a-compilation-of-the-national-covers-for-house-of-tulip>.
[4] Ibid.
[5] Sun Spot, Sun Spot ‘Clipping EP’ release show + support - Zed Alley, (Head First Bristol: 2021) <https://www.headfirstbristol.co.uk/#search=Zed%20Alley> [Last Accessed Monday 15. November 2021].