Russia is a bit of a mystery to me, classic stereotypes easily come to mind when I think of the country. I’m well aware these stereotypes are unjustified and there’s lot to discover about the country. Music is one of those fields in which there’s always plenty to find. Recently a little gem from the Russian music scene made its way to our mailbox. Sun Q is a rock band hailing from Moscow. I wish I knew more about them but that’s about everything I know. They’re just a small big town band that happened to peak my interest.
A couple of months ago they released Charms, their first full length release as far as I know. Tags as rock, psychedelic and garage could be found almost everywhere I looked for the band. Yet a garage is the least of places I imagine this band playing. The album has a pretty average start with quite a stoner/psychedelic vibe to it. Not bad but not exceptional either. But don’t let the first impression deceive you. The best is yet to come! The album quickly spirals into an entire different direction when a whole range of instruments joins in. A Hammond organ, keys, extra percussion and a sax add an extra flavour to the music. A flavour that tastes like more!
The rest of the album has a very jazzy and bluesy allure to it. The music takes me to a 30’s art deco setting infused with an early 70’s vibe for a lack of better wording. The further you get in the album the more you start to appreciate the band. An interesting musical composition accompanied with a beautiful yet powerful voice. Although the musical resemblance is far from there, they reminded me of the Belgian Hooverphonic at times. Giving off a similar vibe, but with more rock music to it. I ended up liking Sun Q a lot more than I expected. Definitely one worth to check out. Makes me wonder what more musical treasures Russia has kept hidden.
Release Date: June 1st, 2017
Record Label: independent
Track List:
1. Petals And Thorns
2. After This
3. Dancing Souls
4. Secret Ways
5. Space
6. Jimmy The Pirate
7. Circus Is Coming
8. Plankton
9. Winter Lady
