Surround Sound - Sun Is on Our Side

All Music Guide

Illinois' Surround Sound claim influences like Superdrag, Teenage Fanclub, Matthew Sweet, and the Posies. Not surprisingly then, their debut, The Sun Is on Our Side, sounds like the quintet was entirely weaned on '90s power pop. Aside from some sporadic piano tinkering, the band consistently relies on a strong guitar presence (there are three guitarists, after all) to steer through the album's 14 tracks. Starting off with one of their most memorable cuts, the Ted Leoesque title track bounces forward with youthful warmth before "Bedroom Eyes" bursts next with a lovely and comforting undercurrent of brass. While the record is rather consistent from start to finish, the band could have stood to chop a few songs off the final track listing or tightened up some individual arrangements. Though, actually, this desired tightening is really the only thing to gripe about. The album is pretty charming and enjoyable via Surround Sound's earnest energy and charisma especially in lead singer Bobby ...Lord's solid delivery but 50 minutes is just a bit of overkill. Nevertheless, length is just an afterthought when a band as young as this already seems to have such a firm grasp of harmonious melodies and hooky force. A promising debut that, with continued growth and trimmedup songwriting, bodes quite well for Surround Sound's future. - Corey Apar, All Music Guide Read more Less