Sun King Rising – Signs & Wonders

RATING: 4/5 STARS
























From the saxophone opening of “Bitter Waters Sweetened” all the way to “Alabama Nocturne” Sun King Rising’s new album Signs & Wonders is well … almost all great stuff. And while there are one or two songs that I feel are perhaps slightly bland, as a whole, the album is very, very good indeed. I mean, take a listen to the jazz-flavoured “Buried In The Blues” and Bob Seegerish “She Was Blonde” – they are both pretty damn spectacular!

As an album Signs & Wonders is actually rather eclectic. Sometimes you are convinced you are listening to Neil Diamond and other times you feel like Lowell George has risen from the grave and is now back with his beloved Little Feat. You can sense some Joe Cocker in places and the ghost of Bruce Springsteen is somewhere there throughout the album. Don’t get me wrong, this is meant as praise. I believe the true mark of a fantastic artist is that he can shift gears while still remaining true to who he is. Sun King manages this.

The playful “No. 06 Magnolia Avenue” is one of the best examples of Sun King’s ability to make timeless music. It’s got Phil Spectorish production values, a bit of Ray Charles in the vocal department, McCartney-like whimsical chord progressions, a dash of gospel in the background vocals and an intoxicating melody. And the lyrics aren’t bad either. Perhaps not quite up there with William Faulkner’s genius as the press release claims (Faulkner is my passion and “A Rose For Emily” my favourite piece by him), but make no mistake, they are damn good.

Anybody looking for sophisticated southern pop/rock that has a lot of soul will not be disappointed. I know I wasn’t. If you don't believe me, have a listen. They don't call him Sun King for nothing.

Review by: Tom Tikka