Vinyl Thoughts: Someone To Be There For

Sunflower Thieves

EP Review

The review you are about to read is one I have been truly excited to write. Ever since I first came across Sunflower Thieves way back when I fell in love with their subtle and organic sound. So as soon as they announced their intention to release al limited pressing of their debut EP Someone To Be There For, I immediately made sure I’d get my hands on a copy of it. Though at this point the EP itself has been around on all digital platforms the reason I held off on reviewing that version will become clear as we dive into the meat of thoughts on this release. So, lets get stuck in.

First things first, as this is a Vinyl review I’d like to say a few words about the physical release. Much like their musical style the artwork for this EP is elegant and distinctive. With the artist name and EP title pressed simply above a banner image on the cover you really get the sense that this duo believe in saying a lot with the least amount of noise. Put simply, its memorable in its simplicity. The actual vinyl itself is in picture disc form and takes on the aesthetic of a sunflower which is honestly, perfect. It gives the disc an almost brittle and gentle quality that makes you want to be careful when handling it (not that I throw them around like Frisbees normally, but you know what I mean). All in all I couldn’t have asked for such a beautifully presented product.

In regards to the musical content of this release I can’t imagine a better selection of songs to be played via this classic medium. Reminiscent of folk artists of the late sixties and early seventies, Sunflower Thieves combine an organic production quality with beautifully layered harmonised vocals to create songs that melt in your ears. Each one, fro mthe opening track ‘Sirens’ to the vinyl exclusive bonus track ‘Birthday’ is handled with care and attention that creates the feeling of a warm blanket on chill summer evening. Honestly, the way the songs are produced and even ordered allows you to loose yourself in each one of them, almost tricking you into forgetting that you are listening to music and makes you feel like you are experiencing it along with the duo instead.

As I mentioned I did have my reasons for holding off on a review and the biggest is what is mentioned above. On the vinyl release I had the pleasure of listening to an exclusive track ‘Birthday’. This track alone is worth the price of the vinyl itself. Much like their previous songs on the release that are very much acoustic guitar and vocally led, ‘Birthday’ is the same. However what I thought was exquisite about this track was its placement after one of the duo’s more fuller songs ‘Grown out of You’. 

The whole EP seems to build to this penultimate track with each song adding something more to it than the one before. Whether through an organic rhythm, gentle brass, or even a more solid guitar refrain, each track grows into that final big ending song. Then however, as you sit and listen to the hiss and crackle of the disc the sound of a conversation rises up and then the epilogue to this EP begins. With just a guitar line and their raw vocals Lily & Amy layout a touching image of losing someone very dear to you. It makes a wonderful addition to the family of songs on the release.

Overall, Sunflower Thieves have really created a debut EP that they can be proud of. It announces who they are and what they hold dear when it comes to songwriting. It’s pure, unblemished by over production, and and as mentioned before, an experience, not just a listen. With quality lieke this from their first offering to the world, I can only imagine the heights that their talent and songs curated with love and passion, will take them.

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