The New Release from S.U.G.A.R. Hits A Thrashing Garage Punk Aesthetic
- BuzzSlayers
- 3 minutes ago
- 3 min read
A fresh release from S.U.G.A.R. delivers a cross of vintage pop rock tonality, hints of progressive, loads of punk and an edgy, garage overtone that come together, and iit delivers a high impact, but melodically driving record that hits all the sweet spots you can possibly imagine.
III, it's an album that doesn't really hold much back in the way of bringing out high impact, almost live performance style energy and aesthetic.
The record starts with a track called "Roleplay", which jumps straight into the vibe of the album and serves as a perfect introduction to everything.
This track cranks up the volume with some thrashing guitar tones, great progressions, and vivacious vocals that feel almost theatrical and again, follow along this almost classic, vintage punk-rock approach that a lot of the rest of the record holds.
Along with that punk-rock energy and feel, you also have some great guitar work that's got some soul involved, beckoning more classic rock and even southern rock attributes, and the blend of these elements is genius because it works so well.
"Volunteer" features crew vocals and memorable melodies, along with a late 1970's punk style seamlessly blending loads of color with that edginess, and a closed-fisted, hands-in-the-air, sing-along soundscape that becomes quickly infectious.
One of the things I really do like about the record is the fact that it's got that live performance feel to it almost the entire time. It sounds like they recorded it live, all at once, in a room.
Even if I'm wrong about how they recorded it, listening to the record makes you want to go see them perform it live just because they're able to capture that kind of energy on record so well.
You get plenty of classic hard rock as well with songs like "Reaper", and still bursting with character and vibrancy, the song hits hard and brings out all kinds of outstanding guitar work along with drumming that doesn't just drive the record but pushes everything forward.
The drumming adds a certain kind of liveliness to everything.
The tones of the bass guitar, guitars, and drums are really imperative here, because it helps capture that sort of vintage, old-school rock guitar tone, which is exactly what they were going for.
That whole sound is completely nailed from beginning to end, and I feel like this is a huge part of why the record hits the way it does.
These guys are obviously influenced and inspired by all kinds of classic rock and punk, and they were able to infuse even the tones of those kinds of bands into their music.
They certainly showcase some great layering in terms of melody and being able to create hooks as well.
"Darkness" is a pretty perfect example of exactly that, as it comes in with some great chord progressions with another guitar hook going over it, which is something I really enjoyed simply because it makes you realize that no matter what they're doing, they always keep that pop sensibility firmly intact.
They want songs to be catchy, which they are, but they also have that thriving and sort of intense overtone that keeps things punchy as well. I don't think it's easy for bands to be able to have those elements come together so seamlessly and in such a way that works, but these guys do it without a hitch.
Again, the vocals are very melodically driving, but they have a lot of that robust approach, and loads of hooks come from the vocals as well.
Half of the time, the way the melodies come through on some of the verse vocals is as catchy as the bigger choruses on the record too.
I love how they pull those influences for each different song, and even though those songs can branch out here and there, they're roots in punk and classic rock are always at the forefront.
The record closes with "Iron Claw", displaying some of the sickest riffs on the record, in my opinion. The drumming is packed with fills, and vocal harmonies are through the roof, bringing out that big energy once again.
This is a record that's up there in terms of its energy and feel, all the way through.
It never lets up, and that's something that I really envy.
I suggest listening to the record all the way through from beginning to end, all at once, because that's the best way to soak it in.
Don't listen to this at some weak, low volume. This is meant to be cranked nice and loud, and believe me, you'll be singing along with half of these songs before it's even through.
Take a deep dive into this record right now and remember where you heard it first.
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