Sunshine Riot

A Fresh Bottle & A Brand New Day

Independent Release, 2013

Boston’s Sunshine Riot may fit the cowpunk mold, but there’s more to this quartet than alt-country.  Starting off strong with “Norfolk County Jail,” the band declares themselves as rough and tumble as they come.

“Cotton Fevour”  and “Old Soul Blues,” are back to back slow grinds of ache and loss. As cautiously paced as the hungover stumble home at first light, on “Old Soul Blues” the singer laments,  “I reached out to Christ to Show me some truth/ He said son, you got to be dead before I’ll save  you.”

Optimism is in short supply in these here parts, but something tells me Happy Hour starts early.

The songs take an up-tempo turn with “Quicksand and Love.” And the band takes a soulful  spin on “Liz Stone.” It features the rich , full vocals of Carl Smitty Smooth.

“Senorita Punk” is the only sonic blast that nods to skate parks and Sunday matinee shows, but when Sunshine Riot blasts through this Pennywise inspired number you know they feel it deep in the core of who they are.

The band closes out with “Home;” a weary yet hopeful reflection to wrap everything up. Home, where you can recharge, reset, refocus and, well Hell, do whatever you need to. After all, you’re home now.

https://www.facebook.com/SunshineRiot