The Beautiful High - The Sunriders

By Daffs aka @TwoDaff

The Sunriders are a 4-piece indie rock band from Aberdeen. Formed in 2019 they are Jamie Watt (Vocals), Mark Dickson (Guitar), Michael Reid (Bass) Paul Robertson (Drums). After getting together things were put on hold due the pandemic, since then they have been honing their sound and released their debut album back in April 2023.

Influences include a whole host of legends such as The Beatles, The Kinks, Small Faces, The Stones as well as the 90’s Britpop era including the Coral. Aberdeen is fast becoming a hotbed for bands in Scotland and The Sunriders are no exception. So, lets dive int the album ‘The Beautiful High’ and see what’s on offer.

Fast paced and energetic

Miles Away opens the album, and what an opener, it sets the scene for the rest of the album. Its fast paced and energetic from the start, blistering guitars and frenetic drumming form a back drop for a catchy lead riff that intertwines adding an added effervescence. The vocal is huge, almost snarling. Its pure rock n roll. Its catchy, upbeat and instantly has the feet tapping and the head nodding.

A heady blend of classic rock and classic indie

Someday Soon A siren alerts you before the deep resonating bass line and stabbing guitar lays a foundation for a classic indie lead riff to take us into the track, a touch of reverb adds an air of anticipation. The vocal kicks in amidst the backdrop of the bass and drum, strong and powerful, it’s a great rock voice. As the track progresses, guitars lay down fuzzy riffs that jump and swirl in the soundscape. It has a great indie vibe this one, the solo is almost Squire-esque. There’s an underlying groove that just keeps giving. A heady blend of classic rock and classic indie. Love this one.

A powerpack track

Cocaine Sun Guitar driven right from the get go, crunching riffs punch through. If you like a harder hit of rock n roll then this is for you. Again, the vocal is big, it has to be and lyrics are delivered with a hint of venom. It’s a powerpack track that leaves you wanting more. Hints of AC DC perhaps but its not what you would call heavy, its indie rock with an edge.

Dirty guitar riffs and thumping bass lines

Halcyon pays homage to their home city, opening with football commentary (Aberdeen) naturally. Going through the years 1983,1995, 2022 highlighting halcyon days and memories. Initially fast paced, driven again by dirty guitar riffs and thumping bass lines with a vocal that’s brash and in your face. Its another catchy track that fuses rock sensibilities with a modern twist.

A great blend of tones backed with an immense vocal

Inner Light slows things down (just a bit) the vocal shines through more so on this track, melodic guitars intertwine with the vocal, chiming riffs with a touch of distortion create a sound that’s hard but pleasing, it’s a great blend of tones backed with an immense vocal. Another great track, one of my favourites, the solo shimmers and sparkles. Addictive.

Evocative lyrics are delivered with emotion

Beautiful Junkie is a 90’s Britpop/rock classic, lead riffs really stand out creating a backdrop for the vocal, evocative lyrics are delivered with emotion and power with a hint of sensitivity. It’s a rich sound full of energy with a vibrancy that’s rich and heady.

Bluesy and rich

Getaway Bluesy and rich, a real 60’s vibe here, yet its modern. It has a real catchy beat and as the track progresses you find yourself immersed in the vibe. Stabbing licks and riffs add colour to the grooving beat. It still has that rock element that fuses with the bluesy undertone. Again, as with all the tracks, the vocal is outstanding, its rich and powerful and there’s an element of venom, a snarl that gives everything an edge.

Loud and brash

Half Empty reminds me (a bit) of ‘Digsy’s Dinner’, classic Britpop, it has that bouncy beat and vibe. Its loud and brash another in your face track that’s sure to please. Probably less rock and more Britpop. The vocal is once again striking. One thing I find is that every track is accomplished, with great instrumentals and vocals, everything is on point. Their diverse influences and there are many are there yet it’s a unique sound.

A grooving, rolling guitar riff

Higher Than the Sun opening with a grooving, rolling guitar riff and building drums this track just bangs, early Verve in tone, with a classic rock vocal makes this track stand out for me. It’s got a driving rhythm and a cool vibe. Its one that needs to be played loud. My favourite track.

A psychedelic mix of driven guitars and a swirling Wah

Remedy closes the album, raw power in the vocal is highlighted by a psychedelic mix of driven guitars and a swirling Wah infused leads. Another energetic fast paced track that flows perfectly. The track builds to crescendo with another big lead solo backed with a barrage of drums. The solo soars taking the track up another level. A great closing track.

A blend of classic indie instrumentation with a classic rock vocal

The Sunriders are not to be underestimated, now I have to admit this album was my first introduction to the band and I have to say I am gutted I haven’t heard them before. This album is in my opinion brilliant. A blend of classic indie instrumentation with a classic rock vocal and 60’s inspired beats give them a unique sound. They have an accomplished sound, loud, sometimes brash but their songs are full of sentiment, passion and high-octane energy.

The vocal really shone for me, its hard to describe, you get hints of Gillespie, the snarl of Gallagher maybe but there’s more to it, Johnson/Gillan springs to mind (Hope you don’t mind Jamie) in any case its full of power and energy. The guitars are always loud and the forefront giving a lush, melodic soundscape but above all they rock. I can’t emphasise enough how good I think this album is and I encourage you to give it a listen. Bravo!