As only three barely-19-year olds, Sunflower Bean sounds way older than they actually are. Show Me Your Seven secrets is a weird blend of punk, psychedelia and new wave that gives this album a vintage vibe.
Bassist and singer Julia Cumming, who is also a model for Yves Saint Laurent, has a sweetly soprano voice that perfectly contrasts to the band’s heavy, late 60s riffs and fuzz.
Track 3, “Tame Impala,” is my favorite because, while there are obvious influences of Tame Impala, Sunflower Bean doesn’t try to copy their sound.
The entire album relies heavily on the strong rhythm section and the psychedelic, jangly riffs that layer above it—the guitar is sometimes reminiscent of 80s bands like INXS and the Smiths, which makes this album all the more interesting because of its eclectic influences.
I could definitely see Sunflower Bean and local band Psychic Heat sharing a bill at a hypothetical show.
Recommended If You Like: Tame Impala, Temples, (some) Blondie, Dum Dum Girls, Television
Recommended Tracks: 3 (Tame Impala), 4 (Rock and Roll Heathen), 5 (Ok Mr. Man), all of them
Do Not Play: None
Written by Caroline Roe on 04/17/2015