Apollo Sunshine is a spirited, Boston-based band that specializes in creating individual songs that have a strong and energized sense of identity, like those on their latest release, Shall Noise Upon.
Just about every Apollo Sunshine song is an unavoidably fun take on several different styles and sounds, a credit to their zeal and creativity as songwriters. However, this style usually makes their songs feel disconnected, because of eccentric moods. On Shall Noise Upon, for example, listeners hear a primitive feel on “Brotherhood of Death” before enjoying the calming, Donovan-like folk of “Happiness.” Yet, this lack of cohesion on their albums is more than offset by many entertaining songs that leave listeners grasping for all the different angles.
“The Funky Chamberlain (Who Begot Who)” is one of the more memorable moments on Shall Noise Upon. It fits into their eclectic mix of pop perfectly, with a combination of a typical Beck-sounding rhythm section and the rapid, focused piano work of the Doors, combining to form a real highlight on the album. Then, just as the listener is finished riding those funky Beck-like beats, they are brought back down to earth by a folk piece called “Money,” where the lead singer laments being restricted by the need for work and cash.
The extremes continue throughout, and in the end the listener has experienced everything from the purest of British-folk pop to the horn lines of the Latin-flavored “Honestly.” The contrasts from song to song only increase as the album goes on, culminating when “Honestly’s” quick tempo is followed by the slow-dancing, western song “Fog and Shadow.”
The Apollo Sunshine’s biggest liability, however, is found in the lyrics. Only at certain times in their music does their lyrical creativity and depth reach levels where it enhances the musical experience as opposed to simply accompanying it as another instrument.
In addition, it was disappointing to see this album was not a little more erratic. This band is at their best when they are bouncing off the walls, too energetic to be held down by an idea or thought that lasts the entire piece of work.
In the end, Apollo Sunshine will always be worth a few listens for exactly that reason: the creativity and energy of the music is just too fun to ignore. The lack of depth may rob them of longevity, but Shall Noise Upon proves that these guys are continuing to make good, solid music that should make them tough to ignore today and in the future.
