Surf's up as Silver Sun release their gem of a debut album. Upon first hearing Silver Sun I, as many others, were tricked into thinking they were a U.S. band, a 'new' Weezer. I was therefore shocked to discover that they are in fact not sun-kissed west coast surfers, rather a gangly group of surly Brits. Obvious reference points which spring to mind when listening to first track 'Golden Skin' include The Beach Boys, Weezer, even The Supernaturals. 'Golden Skin' is a cracker of a song with James Broad's lilting voice backed by thumping punk guitars and great riffs. The harmonies which build up to the chorus are glorious and the single enjoyed brief top 20 success.

The first track 'Test' features only the voice of an elderly man rambling on about testing the tape, strange. Next comes 'Dumb' which should be a brutal angry song featuring lyrics such as 'Dumb bitch when I stop it's not for you in the road' and 'Suicide was not an option for me' this song still retains general 'power pop' vibes and is a big softy at heart. Next comes latest single 'Julia' which is a strange choice for a single which is probably why it sunk. Only the chorus 'Every day I look a little more like Julia' saves the song; heaven knows what Broad is on about in this song. 'Far Out' is an extended Silver Sun jamming session featuring the lyrics 'It might be a star where you are. But it's just the lights of a passing car.'

Next is 'Last Day' a triumphant song which is all about what Silver Sun do best, nice vocals, nicer harmonies, barbed lyrics sarcastically intoning 'Everybody's gone surfing' and 'This is the last day of your life, not in 3D.' 'Service' is rather samey and boring, but 'Golden Light' is a much better song, slow and decidedly passes the time. I can only presume it is something to do with abduction by friendly aliens in a rather poor B movie, a theme backed up by the King Kong cover art. Debut single 'Lava' is another adrenalin fueled rocker which starts quietly with hushed vocals then explodes into a superb melee of trashy guitars and furious drumming and features more indecipherable lyrics. But so what, journalists read too much into lyrics anyway.

Only 'Bad Haircut' the only acoustic song on the album stands out from the rest : 'This n' That', 'Nobody' and 'Animals Feet'. The lyrics reflect 'Sundays always boring, boring, sitting on the toilet....' the song has a slightly sinister edge, no acoustic trilling a la Cast etc. for this band.

This is certainly an accomplished debut album, if a little one sided can Silver Sun do anything more than this? However if you like your power pop with a twist, then Silver Sun are the band, and this the album for you.

Reviewed by Greg O'Keeffe