The band, who is front duo Julia Cumming and Nick Kivlen with Jacob Faber on drums, has caused a considerable stir with “industry types” and appreciative nods from labels since their appearance at last year’s SXSW, being compared to Blondie, and the glory days of the 80’s UK indie scene.
“You guys good?”, asks Cumming, self consciously on entering the stage. Opening with ‘Human Ceremony’, it is apparent that Sunflower Bean are onto something, what they lack in confidence they automatically make up for in technical skill right from the offset.
‘Easier Said’, one of their softer tracks felt anthemic, and ‘Tame Impala’, the gloriously dizzy ‘Wall Watcher’ and ‘Space Exploration Disaster’ were flawless, gritsy indie rock in its purest form.
“You still doing good?” they ask, as if to somehow gauge how they’re being received. It is clear to see that Cumming and Kivlen are absolutely besotted with their guitars, treating the receptive crowd to a number of strung out, at times psychedelic PInk Floydian jams.
Their heady sort of hard guitars and sweet, sugary vocals is special, and Sunflower Bean filled me with optimism - indie music that is finally interesting again. Timely without being trite. Talented without being arrogant. Inspired without imitation. Their ability to emulate the past greats whilst imprinting their own brand of awesome is rather spectacular, and amazing for such new and emerging talent.
