Concord America
Suns Out Guns Out
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It may have been unplanned, but it speaks volumes that brothers Johnny and Vinny Restivo decided to form Concord America after witnessing their friend and future band member Ben Presley storm and then dive from the stage at a Cage the Elephant concert.
The second album from the band, Concord America’s Suns Out Guns Out captures that youthful and aggressively carefree attitude with an album of short but energizing tracks that sound more like rebel calls than rock songs — and it works.
Based out of Atlanta, the sound of garage band punk is strongly infused with a rock and roll thrash sound with hints of beachy vibes. Concord America cites influences like the Pixies, Black Lips and the aforementioned Cage the Elephant, all noticeable throughout the album, especially in first track, “Howling at the Moon.” The title track “Suns Out Guns Out” is perhaps the strongest — the surf vibe strongly in tune with the scream-along lyrics.
This low fidelity, high intensity album is strong all the way through, never missing a moment for a chance for some sleazy surf thrash. Musically, Suns Out Guns Out thrives in the chaos of their creation, but lyrically they stagger. While it is not Concord America’s intention to delve deep into the human psyche, there is no substance to the songs aside from the desire to have a good time.
A solid, lively album, Suns Out Guns Out is perfect for your next beach party — as long as you aren’t worried about blowing out your speakers.
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