The band/artist known as Sour Apples, started writing songs when they were 17. All the songs heard on The Warmth Out in This Sun, were first written on the acoustic guitar, and then recorded at the artist’s home using a laptop and a couple of microphones. After releasing this album, Sour Apples have been playing live shows. A new album is in the works at the moment. The genre on the album is largely indie alternative rock. Some of the biggest influences on the band are The Velvet Underground and The Beatles, but there are other influences too, like the Pixies, and perhaps The Beach Boys. Paul Simon is another artist the band admires in terms of songwriting.
First up is “This Way” and it features a very live sound, especially with the way the drums were mixed, or not. This acoustically driven song, coupled with an electric in the background, made me think of a mash up between early Pixies, Meat Puppets and Weezer. Kind of indie meets slacker folk. Lead electric was played by Andrew Everding. Next up is “I Feel the Breeze” and this one has an edgier, ‘80s retro style to it – must be the arcade sounding keys. I really like the rhythm with this tune and the heavier bass presence.
“Next Stop” has got a trippy sound and warm bass tones. The acoustic guitar sounding pretty as well. The vocals though are so garbled in the beginning that I couldn’t make heads or tails of what was being sung. Another under two-minute track is called “Jules.” This one’s got a fun rhythm section thing going on – I really liked it. The song overall reminded me a lot of the Pixies, like on Come on Pilgrim or SurferRosa. “Feather” has an ethereal, folk-ish style – kind of a trippy, Simon and Garfunkel meets some Danish goth folk band – with a mandolin of course, which was played by Everding. Whistling by Simon Thomas. Got to have the mandolin. The next track has a different approach with the electronic beats and ticks, and futuristic key effects going on. But the acoustic guitar playing still drives the song’s main melody.
“For You” is Sour Apples’ longest song and it’s more or less a free form, alternative indie track that finds the band jamming out more than singing. “I Lost the Key” features more vocal harmonies/melodies, an earthy drum sound and a more subtle acoustic. I think they played the djembe on this track. “Slip on Ice” is the one song that immediately reminded me of the Velvet Underground, like on their song “Rock and Roll.”
But there’s something in this song that reminded me of Arcade Fire, too. Great folk-rock energy all around with this track. Next is “Owl Tune” and it begins with a higher tuned or higher played acoustic with an accompanied violin played by Caleb Hickman. Backing vocals were sung by Julie le Henaff. The guitar almost sounds like an autoharp. Their heavy alt folk, post-punk sound reminded me of the Violent Femmes. The album’s last tune is “In My Skull” and it features a production much like the album’s first track – live and raw. Overall, a unique approach and arrangement with this song, from a unique band.
Heather Savage