Artist: Sunscarred
Title: All This Time Here (single)
By Conor Duffy
So yeah, support your local scene, and all that. And since I don’t get to many gigs, I tend to pick up the odd release by local bands. In this case, I handed over 3 of my hard-earned Euros and bought a copy of Sunscarred’s "All This Time Here" single. Long sigh, as I have to report some serious disappointment.
I’m starting to develop this theory about bands based in or around Dundalk, that there are two camps: those who are influenced by Nirvana and those who are influenced by Pearl Jam. The title track of this CD implies that Sunscarred definitely belong in the latter group. Lead vocalist Ronan Mc Crory doesn’t help matters much, practically screaming, "Tonight Matthew I’m going to be Eddie Vedder" with every heartfelt word. Plus it’s one of those ballad-type songs that start off really quiet before they turn up the amps two minutes in, and for an opening track that doesn’t always work. Seriously, guys, you’re a rock band. I wanted you to blow out one of my eardrums from the start, not slowly carry me into it.
At least it picks up slightly after that. 'Save You' has a good guitar sound to it; during the solo, Mc Crory pulls out the type of sound effects that Tom Morello’s famous for, and with the bass behind it adds a serious Rage Against The Machine vibe. Without, of course, a Zach de la Rocha-style vocalist over it. Christ, man, why don’t just knock out a few verses of 'Jeremy' while you’re at it?And the, when my hopes have been raised slightly, they end the disc with a ballad that even at only 3:41 seems drawn out. And the only thing I can think when I hear this song is, "Why do I even try to write good lyrics?" If I may, an example:
"What if life was made of dreams?
What if pain was meant to ease?
If the world drowned in the sea
Would you believe?"
Now I don’t mind lyrics that try to be a little secretive of their meaning, that want to make you work, but WHAT!? I'm not a very smart guy, please, help me here. I’m sure this song kills live, but then it probably has the benefit of noise and distortion and a gig atmosphere. I’m sitting on the bus and all I can think is “I can’t believe I spent 3 Euros on this!! Guys, who are you, Creed?
The below-average songs only further expose the basic production. I like the fact that there is a local recording studio, Tumbleweed, which means local bands can make a record without having to spend a lot. But if the vocals seem so separated from the rest of the music that it’s actually annoying, I’d think about looking elsewhere.I don’t want to dismiss Sunscarred, but on the strength of this CD they still have a long way to go. Come on guys, prove me wrong, and make sure the next single fucking ROCKS!
Picture from www.sunscarred.com