Sundowner “Little Elephant Sessions”
Written by Erik Ghint
I believe that record reviews are the collective response of the author’s objective opinion and taste on music in general, combined, however, with some undisputed facts. That being said, this is what I think about Sundowner’s latest four song seven inch “Little Elephant Sessions” released through Fat Wreck Chords on June 10th 2014.
TRACKLISTING
1. Cemetery West
2. Great Lakes _ Great Escapes
3. Midsummer Classic
4. In the Flicker
Fat Wreck Chords releases several seven inches for bands and musicians on its roster probably with intent to promote another release of theirs, which either precedes or follows that tiny record. Not only is this brilliant marketing, more importantly, it’s a perfect introduction to or a reminder of the release of some quality piece of music. Usually the label adds one or two sprinkles to the seven inch (e.g. b-sides, unreleased material, cover songs), making it totally worthwhile to have gotten it.
Sundowner is the solo project of Chris McCaughan, the co-singer, co-lyricist and guitarist of the amazing Chicago established Lawrence Arms and released his third full length “Neon Fiction” through Fat Wreck Chords (a first for Fat) in the fall of last year. While supporting the release Chris stopped by Little Elephant studio in Toledo, OH to record a stripped down live version of some of Sundowner’s finest work from all releases plus a Lawrence Arms classic. The outcome was so good that Fat decided to put together a beautiful seven inch with all songs recorded, thus releasing “Little Elephant Sessions”. Sprinkles everywhere.
The record kicks off with Cemetery West, coincidentally also the first track on “Neon Fiction”. Chris McCaughan, born and raised in Chicago and recently having moved to Portland stated in an interview that most of Neon Fiction was written before the move and in sight of it; preparing to face it. I think that even the title of this song, ironically hints to the need of burying difficult memories and leaving them in the past. This song was in my top three on “Neon Fiction”, still is a great opener even as a stripped down version. Remember to check out the beautiful video shot for it.
Don’t let nostalgia rule your world
The second track is a Lawrence Arms cover, Great Lakes/Great Escapes; originally of the bands third record “Oh Calcutta!”. I would say that the release is worth for this rendition alone. Not my favorite song of “Oh Calcutta” but a very suitable choice in addition to the general Sundowner lyrical style, especially of the last record. Melancholy, desperation and a glimmer of optimism all tied very close together.
I used to paint myself with sentiment.
But all my colors turned to gray.
“Midsummer Classic” is my least favorite track on the seven inch and the song of Sundowner’s first release, “Four One Five Two”, through Red Scare Records in 2007 plus the only record by Sundowner I don’t already own. Probably not a coincidence. What I do like about this song though is the difference in approach synthetically compared to the other three tracks. While the lyrics are again very dark the music has a lighter, almost sweet, side to it. That glimmer of hope does come out eventually.
Sundowning’s never getting old.
Has it ever happened to listen to a song that gets you so hooked you just buy the full record, no questions asked? That happened to me with “In the Flicker”, the last song on “Little Elephant Sessions” and originally on “We Chase the Waves”, Sundowner’s second release, this time through Asian Man Records in 2010. 4 years later this song still makes me cringe, in a really good way though. Excellent songwriting; to me a great indication of what Sundowner is all about.
I dance to the here and the now.
I dance to the bullets against the ground.
We live in the flicker tonight.
We chase the waves of dawn ’til we die.
All in all the “Little Elephant Sessions” seven inch serves its purpose. It wouldn’t have made sense if it were a full length, like a live best of record, but if you’re a fan of Sundowner already, the release is there to remind you why you loved them in the first place and if you haven’t heard of them yet, you finally have to and this is a good place to start.
Sundowner on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/SUNDOWNERMUSIC
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About the Author
Denise Borders 39, Los Angeles. Denise founded PWV in 2008 and remains the primary manager and photographer/videographer. She is not secretly obsessed with Joey Cape.
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