By Ethan James Young
When you are cynical about the local music scene in Utah (like I was), you might not have a super positive view of the indie rock genre. I thought of the stereotypical, mediocre high school or dad bands that would play mid covers and songs that felt like they were trying too hard to sound a certain way.
I had this opinion until I went to probably my first real local indie rock concert where one band made me rethink (and continue to rethink) what good local indie rock is. Wow – they could play and instantly create an awesome musical environment in any venue. That band, as you can probably guess from the title of this review, was Sunfish.
If you want to understand what good local indie rock music can be, you have to listen to Sunfish’s most recent album, Sunfish for President. There was something about this album that felt nostalgic for the ’00s pop rock era. However, that would be unfair to the artistry of the album. It is not simply a pop rock record like all the other ones you’ve heard. Sunfish effortlessly adds experimental elements that fit almost perfectly.
There are also the jazz influences found throughout Sunfish for President such as a saxophone adding intensity in the song “Insecurities”; or the walking bass line, familiar groovy guitar riffs, and singing toms in “BAD!”; or, most importantly, a niche melodic meme/joke – that I have to point out in order to keep my jazz appreciation card – found in “Black Cat” (I apologize for the extremely obscure and nerdy reference. If you know you know). It seems there is no limit to the variety of Sunfish’s musicianship.
The “October Surprise” for opposing candidates to Sunfish’s run as president would have to be “The World’s So Small” – a very poetic song about facing the looming nihilism when a relationship ends hopelessly. This emotional, dynamic, and well balanced rock ballad invites you to feel the inescapable hurt and anger with anyone singing along.
As much as I have grown to love this album with each listen, I might not understand Sunfish’s artistic vision completely. I felt like Sunfish for President could have done slightly better if the song order had been different. “The World’s So Small” felt more like a finale to me. With “BAD!” coming right afterwards (rather than “In Summary”), I thought Sunfish was going to continue the album further because of the rough change in energy.
Even though I’m not sure if I would vote for Sunfish if the band collectively ran for chief office of the United States, they do make a compelling case. Sunfish seems to have the proper campaign materials for a solid chance to win at least the popular vote.
Make sure to follow Sunfish on Instagram. You can listen to “The World’s So Small” below!