The Naked Sun – Mirror In The Hallway
This Philadelphia band’s quickened in the pores & bones with jangly guitars, narrative lyrics, & juiced by some psychedelic spice. Nice contrasts. The new album was produced by Brian McTear (electric guitar/bgv) & Amy Morrissey (bgv) at Minor Street Recordings in Philly. Ten songs hang beside the Mirror In The Hallway (Dropped January 30/Independent/50:52) with the band’s collective effort of original music & Drew Harris’ lyrics (lead vocals/electric & acoustic guitars/harmonica).
This second full-length indie album took 3 years to complete because they wanted it to be ambitious & perfect. Aside from the many topics that are touched upon, it’s basically about self-examination through a fine mix of roots rock, shimmering notes & rhythm, some folksiness, a fluid blend of nostalgia & new beginnings.
Who do they sound like, or remind me of? China Crisis. While this band isn’t as ambitious as China Crisis, the Naked Sun does have a striking sound, good arrangements, & durability. While China Crisis was somewhat in a Steely Dan realm, they had a crisper sound & approach than the Dan. The Naked Sun blends similar elements as they profess in “Witches,” that while having a China Crisis’ beauty (“Arizona Sky”) also displays an ethereal atmosphere, albeit perhaps too much toward the conclusion—if a bit briefer, a bit more memorable. Meandering isn’t the way to go with such a lovely piece of music.
“…Of Persephone” has a more gripping melody & though there’s a falsetto vocal saliently in the number, the guitar is what illuminates, while the vocal melody is also strong. The vocals are splendid in a modern soulful display. Again, however, toward the end, the concluding measures are too repetitive on what is actually a good idea. Please keep it brief rather than persistent. “China Crisis employs that at the stunning conclusion of their “Arizona Sky.” Brief, powerful, & memorable.
What the band is providing is a small sample of what Steely Dan would sound like if they were more soulful rather than jazzy. “Make Believe” is a graceful ballad with tight instrumental interplay & a textured lead guitar against Drew’s warm vocal. The conclusion has a nice steady cymbal tap & a single beat rather than any fancy fills. Classy. Brief.
“Broken Spectre” is decorously attired in China Crisis threads & that’s a compliment. That alone deserves exploring this fine band’s repertoire. The musical contrasts are on full display & fluid. The songs are all consistently played with skill & are often creatively rendered.
Highlights – “Witches,” “…Of Persephone,” “Make Believe,” “Broken Spectre,” “Mirror In the Hallway,” & “Hades.”
Musicians – Dylan Mulcahy (drums/percussion/piano/Hammond B3 organ/Fender Rhodes), Tim Campbell (electric, pedal steel, slide & bass guitars/mandolin/marimba/synth/bgv), Tom Tusler (bass guitar/bgv/acoustic, electric & bass guitars) & James Ashforth (additional guitar).
A folded 8-panel lyrical insert is included. B&W image courtesy of the band’s website. CD @ Bandcamp & https://www.wearethenakedsun.com/