Valley Bar (Phoenix, AZ)
01/19/23
Hailing from Austin, Texas, American indie-pop band Sun June consists of vocalist and keyboardist Laura Colwell, guitarists Michael Bain and Stephen Salisbury, bassist Justin Harris, and guest drummer Andrew Stevens. Being spread across the greater span of the U.S. as members, guitarist Salisbury and vocalist Colwell found themselves in the inspirational pool of Austin, Texas; a hustle and bustle town with lively clubs and music just around every corner. They met each other while working in an editing room on Terrence Malick’s “Song to Song,” and instantly clicked like twin flames. With the endless inspiration of the city and limitless possibilities of what could be, they formed Sun June as the center of the close-knit group.
Sun June can be recognized by their echoing, wistful chords, dreamy vocals, swirling melodies, poetic lyrics, and trembling guitar notes balanced with the thud of a kick drum and the click of a snare rim. They’ve got a sound that drapes effortlessly over you like your favorite throw on sweater – soft and comforting. The band boldly made their presence known with their debut album, Years, released in 2018 via Keeled Scales. They created a beautifully articulated aesthetic of cinematic pop with glimmer and warmth edged into each song. The album taps into potent memories, reminiscing on what their younger years were like; it’s full of lyrical yearning diffused by gentle reverb and warm tones.
In 2021, the indie-pop band released their second full-length album, Somewhere, taking a new direction with their sound but still tapping into their roots. This sophomore album rushes in edgier vocal tones and lyrical content, exploring the endless possibilities and non-existant limitations of daydreaming, memories, and fantasies all pillowed together in appropriately soft, cloudy pop with unconstricted emotion. This album encompasses 11 gloomy and glossy songs, adding a touch of southern twang. It features guitar chords gliding with ease, soft and inconspicuous synth pads, and ever-wandering melodies. On the night of their Phoenix show with Why Bonnie, the band brought it all and more.
