Sunshine Blues
Self-Released, 2024
10/10
The sophomore album from the New York duo of Tucker Woods, the modern and retro moments of these 14 songs make great use of vocalist, guitarist and songwriter Chris Hurd and bassist Brian Motel’s respective talents.
“The Ballad Of Captain Pat & The Spooky Rock Lagoon” starts the listen with a chamber-rock sort of presence that’s dense, rich and mesmerizing in a folk-rock sort of way, and “Somersault” follows with flowing acoustic guitar and lively piano for an animated presence of melody and grit.
Further along, the breeziness of “Right On Time” puts Motel’s meticulous bass to good use in a dreamy climate, while the title track is a soaring and anthemic roots rocker that swirls with a charming energy.
Residing close to the end, the thick and driving “Carousel” flirts with arena ready rockin’, and “…Goodbye Spooky Rock Lagoon” exits with a hint of intimacy under the buzzing guitars and thumping drums that builds into some throwback rock ideas.
A record that might remind you of Oasis, The Who, the Kinks, Tom Petty, Foo Fighters or even The Decemberists, Tucker Woods create an admirable rawness and cinematic scope that just might be the best indie-rock of the year.
Travels well with: Andrea von Kampen- Sister Moon; Natalie Price- Natalie Price