Artist: Boston Manor
Album: Sundiver
Label: SharpTone Records
Release Date: 6 September 2024
Reviewer: Andrew Treadwell
Boston Manor’s latest release, Sundiver, serves as a bright and reflective counterpoint to their 2022 concept album, Datura. While Datura plunged listeners into a darker narrative, Sundiver emerges as a celebration of renewal and growth, encapsulating the journey the band has experienced over the past decade.
With its immersive storytelling and poetic lyrics, Sundiver unfolds across eleven tracks that mark a substantial evolution in the band’s sound and thematic exploration. The album opens with “Datura (Dawn),” immediately setting the stage with gentle morning sounds that invite listeners to embrace a new beginning.
The poignant request, “Could you please open that window, let the new world in,” resonates as a metaphor for the band’s desire to usher in a fresh perspective after the challenges of the pandemic. This opening track seamlessly transitions into “Morning Star,” which offers a contrasting energetic moment of reflection, showcasing the growth in the band’s songwriting and musicality.
Throughout the album, frontman Henry Cox’s vocals take center stage, delivering a performance that is both emotive and powerful. The track “Container” features a grunge-infused lead riff, embodying a raw energy that is both infectious and invigorating. In contrast, “Sliding Doors” surprises listeners with one of the most significant curveballs in Boston Manor’s catalog, demonstrating the band’s willingness to experiment and push the boundaries of their sound.
Meanwhile, “Dissolve” introduces elements of funk-pop, highlighting the band’s versatility and creativity. “Dissolve” also houses the anthemic track “Passenger,” which invites fans to belt out the lyrics, creating an interactive experience that encapsulates the essence of live performances.
The chemistry among band members—Mike Cunniff on guitar, Ash Wilson on guitar, Dan Cunniff on bass, and Jordan Pugh on drums—further enhances the album’s texture, allowing each instrument to contribute to the cohesive sound that Boston Manor has cultivated over the years.
As the album progresses, the interlude track “Morning Star” serves as a transitional piece, featuring moody riffs and a screeching fade-out that leads into the second half of the album.
This shift in tone is emblematic of the overarching theme of Sundiver — a journey from darkness into light, encapsulating the growth and resilience of the band. The track “DC Mini” embodies this ethos, guiding listeners from the depths of despair to a night sky filled with burning stars and ethereal backing vocals, symbolizing hope and renewal.
“Sundiver” is not merely a collection of songs; it serves as a narrative of the band’s evolution and a testament to their resilience. Henry Cox articulates this journey, stating, “We made this record to almost will ourselves into a better place.” The band’s experiences of life changes, including marriages and fatherhood, inform the album’s themes of growth and positivity.
However, Cox emphasizes that the album is a realistic portrayal of life as a work in progress, where the journey towards improvement is ongoing. In conclusion, Sundiver stands as an intelligent and thought-provoking album that complements its predecessor, Datura. With its thoughtful lyrics, dynamic instrumentation, and the band’s undeniable growth, Boston Manor invites listeners to join them on this journey of transformation and hope.
Set to release on September 6th via SharpTone Records, Sundiver promises to be an essential addition to the band’s discography and a vital soundtrack for anyone navigating their own path toward renewal.
