COOL NIGHTS: Suddenly Sunshine are a French trio, who make a contemplative style of ornate European 70s pop with an orchestral feel. They are releasing a four-track EP, “Summer Days/Isan Remix”, via Wool Recordings. The last track on the record is an Isan remix of the first song, “Summer Days”. Robin Saville and Antony Ryan add blips, warped synth, a creeping bassline, a subtle touch of piano and closing strings (2:28 mark) — changing the original entirely. It’s a beautiful and seductive re-imagining. Similarly to the music of Belle and Sebastian, Suddenly Sunshine’s songs are a mix of warmth and cold, happiness and sadness. (But without the former’s occasional penchant for keeping some listeners at a distance.) “Spanish Mermaid” begins as a melancholic sounding fairytale, until the intro of keyboard, drums and waltzing brass warms the song. It’s all pretty simply done, elegant, and soft. “Lonely Planet” finds the male and female lead in a duet, with strings, light acoustic guitar strumming, and synth bells giving the song the feel of an old lullaby. But it’s the simultaneous playing of melody and bass notes that balances sugar-sweet vocals with an off-kilter “Blackbird” sound like a harpsichord. It’s a tranquil song, for the end of a long day. Note: Suddenly Sunshine’s new EP can be purchased at Wool Recordings. Also, the album photograph, above, was taken by masterful photographer Neil Krug. Visit his website for a visual wonderland. — David D. Robbins Jr.
Suddenly Sunshine “Summer Days” (Isan Remix)
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