Album Review: Sleepy Sun - Spine Hits

Sleepy Sun's Spine Hits finally earns itself a local release ten months after hitting the shelves in the US, but was it worth the wait? Well, sort of. The third album from these Californian psych rockers finds the band at a crossroad, heading in a new direction as they also deal with the acrimonious departure of vocalist Rachel Fannan. Fannan's soulful voice used to provide a neat counterpoint to Bret Constantino's vocals, adding an element that made Sleepy Sun really stand out. But with Fannan gone and the band trying a more commercial rock approach, the end result is an album that doesn't quite hit the mark.

This commercial approach sees Sleepy Sun dispense with the extended jams of the past and tighten their material big time, as shown by opener, Stivey Pond. According to reviewers at the band's recent Australian gigs, this track is a serious belter live. But here it comes across as a fairly unremarkable three-minute rocker, somewhat setting the album's tone. Indeed, most of the shorter moments here, tracks like She Rex, Creature and even first single, V.O.G., are okay songs but they struggle to really make an impact. Yet, when the band reverts to what they did best on their last two albums – a slow build-up leading to a big finale – their talent shines through. Siouxsie Black's laidback opening gives way to a flurry of guitars that makes one imagine a summer storm out in the desert as they recorded these songs. Martyr's Mantra's slow intro gives way to a dance rocker while closers Deep War and Lioness (Requiem) are pretty much album highlights, proving that if 'It ain't broke...' it shouldn't be fixed.