Sunny Day Sets Fire - Summer Palace
There is enthusiasm in abundance on show, energetic and euphoric, like The Flaming Lips on top form.
London-based band Sunny Day Sets Fire boast members from such far-flung places as Italy, Hong Kong and Canada. This diversity is a major influence on their sound, which rolls languorously along at times like a less contrived Mika and at others like a cheerful Arcade Fire.
'Summer Palace' is certainly aptly named. It feels like the soundtrack to a long and lazy day spent drinking sugary cocktails on the common - the album is pure pop sunshine. The scale of the sound is far bigger than you would expect from a five-piece; the backing harmonies sound positively orchestral, and it would have been less of a surprise to find that the band was seven-strong at least.
During 'Adrenaline', singer Onyee's voice hits the same 'sweet mispronunciation' note that has served CSS's Lovefoxxx so well. In 'All Our Songs', Mauro's vocal range is almost alarming, soaring high above the rolling martial bassline. There is enthusiasm in abundance on show, energetic and euphoric, like The Flaming Lips on top form.
If there is one obvious criticism to be made, it is perhaps that at times the sound is too diverse. Having depth and variety is laudable, but parts of 'Summer Palace' sound like an elaborate tribute to other bands. At one point reminiscent of Mercury Rev, at others Guillemots; add the previously mentioned influences and it all starts to become a little confused. As we reach 'Hollywood', things have begun to settle down, with the soaring, echoing chorus reminding us of what this band are capable of. Closing song 'Lack Of View' is more sombre and contained, a counterpoint to the bright, colourful flow of what has gone before.
'Summer Palace' is a difficult album to really pin down. At times it is glorious, cheerful indie-pop, but it does lack a clear focus. In the end you are left wondering, what do Sunny Day Sets Fire actually sound like?
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