Felix & The Sunsets – ‘This Will Change’
With striking riffs and plentiful instrumentals to boot, the trio gifts us a treat with this offering.
Photo: Angus Bradley
Felix and the Sunsets are an experimental, genre-bending, 3 piece rock band hailing from Leith, Edinburgh. Their latest EP, This Will Change, provides us with an exciting opportunity to see how their music has developed since their last release in 2020. Combining the heavier, fuzzy sounds of neo-psychedelic garage rock, rhythmic percussion instrumentals, and even some elements of Afro-Caribbean music, this EP is certainly successful in providing listeners with a unique musical journey.
To me, it also feels as though they have captured an essence of ska legends, The Specials, in the first single from the EP - ‘This Will Change.’ Not only because of the percussion elements in the song and a similar vocal style but also through the message they are putting out. The track is a celebration of the Black Lives Matter movement and the marches that followed, calling for an end to systemic racism after the murder of George Floyd last summer.
Not only have they managed to convey this message effectively but there are some great musical elements in the song, such as the vocal harmonies, powerful guitar solo, and strong rhythmic drum work that ties the song together. The accompanying music video supports the uplifting message and includes photos from the BLM demonstration in Glasgow and can be watched here:
The second track, Leaving on the Next Train, is centered around a piano riff and there’s something clever about the way the song moves along, almost like a train moving along the tracks. The chorus sums up the meaning behind this song “I can’t wait, I’m leaving on the next train, we can get away...’ the simple but escapist lyrics which goes together perfectly with the melodic music. The song is rounded off by another incredible guitar solo, that continues over the last repetitions of the chorus and ends the song on a high. The drums on this track also deserve mentioning, particularly towards the end of the song where they exercise more free reign and the drummer produces some incredible work that compliments the guitar work perfectly.
The Mushroom Song, the second single from the EP, feels like a change of pace as it’s instantly more upbeat and their influence from the likes of The Velvet Underground and Santana really shines through. This is personally my favourite track on the EP, although my love for the psychedelic garage rock sound does make me ever-so-slightly biased. It incorporates a classic fuzzy rock riff that is played throughout and it once again builds up to an intoxicating guitar solo that pulls you into a trip-like experience.
Photo: Angus Bradley
The EP draws to a close with the fourth and final track ‘I’m on fire.’ Offering nearly 6 minutes of instrumental genius, it’s a memorable end to the EP and rounds off an adventurous and experimental showcase of their work. The use of organs and synths are particularly notable in this song, as well as the way it starts off quite slow and melancholic and builds up with the introduction of the guitar later in the song. It’s certainly the kind of song that is easy to get lost in.
From the thrilling guitar solos to the powerful drumming and emotive vocals, it is clear to see that everyone in this band is incredibly talented and they have come together to create brilliantly captivating music.
Furthermore, the funding from this EP comes from Creative Scotland and all proceeds are being donated to Intercultural Youth Scotland, which does outstanding work to support young people who face barriers to success. It would be great to see Felix and the Sunsets growing a larger audience and getting the credit they deserve for their talent and hard work.
