Sometimes there are records you turn on and just instantly know you’re in for a great time. The newest from NYC’s Sunflower Bean, King of the Dudes, is one of these albums: right from the start, the unabashed enthusiasm and obvious fun the band is having are infectious. Head nodding ensues.
Simultaneously evocative of ’60s psychedelia, ’70s soul, and ’80s glam rock, the songs here are uplifting without sounding cheesy, sentimental and earnest without being cliche. The powerful vocals of lead vocalist/bassist Julia Cumming lead the trio (also featuring Nick Kivlen on lead guitar and vocals and Jacob Faber on drums) through some goosebump-inducing music that remains catchy without sacrificing an interesting song structure or glorious effects.
Reeling with a punk spirit draped in smiles and high-energy optimism, a real highlight of these four tracks is when the radio-friendly bits meet the jagged, swirling solos and crunch of the DIY scene from whence they come. The snarling, aquatic, acid guitar sound over the thick, heavy bass and steady, compact rhythm makes you want to stage dive into a crowd of unruly fans.
King of the Dudes is a delightful little EP from one of the hardest-working bands in New York. If you haven’t heard of them yet, you will soon enough, and King of the Dudes is a perfect place to start.
