Sun Q – Myth

Sun Q is a completely new band for me. So here comes a short introductions; Sun Q is a Russian duo, consisting of band’s founders and permanent members; Elena Tiron and Ivan Shalimov. The band draws inspiration from the pool of myths, legends and dark tales, interwining them with the powerful musical geritage of the 60s, 70s and 80s.

Myth is their independetly released sophomore album which contains 10 tracks including “Heaven Before”, album’ closure bonus track. It arrives as a successor to their highly-aclaimed 2017 debut Charms. Alongside two founding members, the Myth album represents a creative collaboration among musicians and specialists from various countries. In other words; the material was recorded it in Russia, using many rare Soviet era instruments, and with a contribution of a diverse array of musicians who enriched their sound while playing unique instruments from all over the world.

Vocal duties are carefully (with good posture, breathing, and energy) taken care by Elena Tiron, and I never expected to hear such fluent in English vocals from a band from Russia. Elena’ vocals are vivid and mysterious, and when combined with a dirty guitar sound and ornate melodies, it altogether sounds very exciting and mature. The addition of all these exotic instruments from around the world, helps create this garage psychedelic rock vibe, with a touch of stoner magic and an overall warm vintage sound of a masmerizing beauty that is rarely heard nowadays.

“Jane Doe” is the cinematic, bluesy and dramatic album opener. It’s almost a meditative and mystical song with haunting and masmerizing soundscapes. Being full of horns, great electric lead guitar, bass, excellent drums and some soothing & almost whispering vocals of Ms. Elena, “Jane Doe” is a great song to open the album. The next one is called “Children Singing” being a much more emotional track, with flowing synth and keyboards in the background, pulsating riffs and groovy rhythm. “Tree” can best be described as a piece of psychedelic rock with great harmonics are experienced with dedicated vocal and nice instrumental’s work. It opens with slow, screaming, electric guitar, having this bluesy touch, pretty reminiscent of the likes of Led Zeppelin. “Animals” might be another straight-ahead rock song, but it is also one of the best yet most complex songs on the record; a synthwave effects, energizing vocals and galloping beat are just some of the things you can hear on this rockish song. “Dionysus” is again a bit punchier song with a great dose of sludge, heavy electric guitars and this funky rhythm throughout the whole song. “I am the Sun” with its masmerizing beauty is probably a song that is the most representative of the band’s sound. This is a real showcase for Elena’ beautiful and deluxe vocals. “Still Searching for the Skulls” opens with synths and keyboards, being another prog rock epic anthem, where all the musicians contributing to this song did an impressive job. “Elizabeth Siddal”, opens with powerful guitars, bass and drums, pretty much another bluesy/psych song where they use violins and strings to build a strong sound-scape. “Crystal Doors” is the longest song on the album. It features a grinding electric guitar, perfect bass lines, the aforementioned pulsating drums, electric keyboards and once again amazing vocals. “Heaven Before” serves as a nice little closure, a bonus track that is mixed and mastered by Ivan Shalimov and lyrics by Elena Tiron.

The whole production sounds fresh and modern, while having this old-school & vintage vibe. It was impossible for the band to complete the production work in their native Russia, due to obvious reasons, so the job was done in England and USA. Meanwhile, this vintage looking fitting cover artwork was designed in Brazil.

In their music, you won’t find a specific agenda, but you will discover something even more profound. Drawing inspiration from the creative legacy of the 1960s to the 1980s, this Russian duo seem to have made something both original and contemporary. Rock, psych-pop, and electronic pursuits successfully meld with standout instrumentation. You better get ready for some of the most exotic and exciting rock sounds you’ll hear whole this year! Myth is highly recommended for fans of vintage/garage/stoner/psych/prog rock.

Enjoy the music and read more about this particular release at https://sunqband.bandcamp.com/album/myth