Sugar Kingdom
My Money, 2024
9/10
This 4th album from The Sidleys has the family band addressing topics like love, sex, life and death via their distinct formula of pop, rock and soul.
The bright quality of “Green Light” opens the listen with funky bass lines amid Annie’s gorgeous and soulful pipes, and “Blackout” follows with Sean’s drumming acrobatics amid plenty of breezy melodies.
In the middle, the warm intimacy of “Twilight” benefits much from Steve’s swirling guitar and much emotion, while the frisky “No Warning” will get your body moving to the animated grooves and meticulous instrumentation of the album’s best.
Further still, “Miles Away” has Annie hitting some high notes effortlessly as her family backs her up with a cozy spirit, and “Invisible” exits with a soft, soaring, sophisticated finish that’s lushly memorable.
The influences from legends like Stevie Wonder and The Beatles won’t go unnoticed, as The Sidleys pack inimitable vocals, sonically exciting guitar loops, and lively tempos into 12 sugary sweet tunes.
Travels well with: Honey Made- Charge It To The Band Fund; Nina Simone- The Montreux Years