Album Review: Sunsets - 'Make It Happen'

Brisbane pop punk outfit, Sunsets don’t take their music too seriously, but the carefree attitude and youthful optimism found in the boys‘ second EP, 'Make It Happen', establishes their lighthearted spin on pop punk as a refreshing change of pace. Full of infectious hooks and plenty of ‘woa-ohs’ ‘Make It Happen,’ may not be anything we haven’t heard before, but its dedication to fun makes it an inspiring sophomore attempt and a killer summer soundtrack.

The album kicks off with ‘Locals Only’ – a solid pop punk track in its own right that mixes speedy drum riffs with a blend of guitar chugs and the occasional chant. If there’s one thing Sunset’s are good at it’s a catchy chorus and ‘Vibe City’ is the perfect example of this. It's here where the multiple ‘woa-ohs’ dominate, along with references to ‘highways’ ‘city lights’ that add a animated, if a little cheesy feel to the song. The second track on 'Make It Happen' could easily find a home in America’s pop punk scene along with Four Year Strong and Hit the Lights, if it weren’t for the tell tale Aussie accents that can be heard throughout the album, setting them up for success similar to that of Sydney pop punk sensations Heroes For Hire.

In an EP compiled of pop punk summer anthems, ‘Elsewhere Bound’ has an edgy darker tone, assisted by the screamer and distorted guitars that for a second sound like the band are trying their hand at sounding deep. However, the screams that echoes the clean vocals during the chorus sound almost out of place, suggesting that perhaps the band should stick to their strengths. That being said ‘It Ain’t Easy Being Hebezy’ showcases all that the band are good at: fast paced instrument tracks, music with a local spin, and those addictive choruses that keep you listening until the last song.

Sunsets’ sugary pop punk anthems may at times feel like a guilty pleasure, but that doesn’t hide the fact that 'Make It Happen' is a good, solid pop punk record with a little bit of Aussie flavor thrown in to keep the local Brisbane boys from blending into the background. Sunsets show enormous potential and a keen ear for a catchy tune, and if they attempt to push the boundaries of a formula they have virtually perfected in albums to come, it will definitely be something to look out for.

1. Locals Only

2. Vibe City

3. Elsewhere Bound

4. It Ain't Easy Being Hebezy

5. Ponyboy Curtis