Sometimes in life, you have to take a couple of steps back in order to move three steps forward. North Carolina natives Brighter Than A Thousand Suns knows that cliche all-to-well as they have regained their identity with their latest EP entitled “The Way Out”, which was released via Imminence Records on June 9th!
Brighter Than A Thousand Suns saw a taste of success with a record deal with a significant underground label called Tragic Hero Records, and they proceeded to be featured in the “major player” magazines such as Alternative Press, Revolver Magazine, and Rock Sound Magazine. Through lineup changes and a seemingly change of heart in the style of music and lyrical content, Brighter Than A Thousand Suns are pressing on as a duo with “The Way Out”.
Brighter Than A Thousand Suns is a husband and wife duo composed of Angelika Roswell and Randy Roswell. They both play multiple instruments whereas Angelika is predominant in lead vocals, but Randy provides amazing backup vocals, just as I would expect from a married couple! “The Way Out” showcases that fresh start, that change of scenery that is needed for a band with their single entitled “The Upside Down”. The synthesizers and new wave feel showcases that somewhat of a departure from their post-hardcore roots and Angelika has an angelic voice, there are a bit of post-hardcore screams that old Brighter Than A Thousand Suns fans will reminisce about. In “The Upside Down”, the lyrics are clearly personal as it leads into the story of the concept of this EP, which is about someone finding that way out from being led astray or from taken a wrong path in life. The chorus is pop-tinged, which would appeal to fans of bands like PVRIS with a mix of post-hardcore elements and new-wave rock.
Fans that got used to their covers of groups like VAMPS, Three Days Grace, Linkin Park, and Starset will get used to this new direction that Brighter Than A Thousand Suns took. This transition is evident in the title track of the EP. Randy nails it on the guitars with an 80’s feel to it, the synths sound incredible as a backdrop to Angelika’s amazing voice, her voice melts hearts and brings tears to the eyes because she sings with such passion, which tells me that this EP has such a personal, introspective take, which highlights the new direction that Brighter Than A Thousand Suns chose to take. Randy’s guitar work is off the charts in this song, as it provides that mix of air-guitar competitions and causing people to move about in place. The bridge of this song has a strangely awkwardly amazing blend of new wave and post-hardcore elements of it.
Don’t worry old Brighter Than A Thousand Fans, you won’t be left out in the cold, they haven’t forgotten you. They seem to stay true to their roots with “Hole In Your Heart”, which is predominantly a post-hardcore track. The screams feel like the singer is standing on your feet, beating your chest, and making you pay attention to what they have to say. The chorus provides a rock anthem type of feel to it as the chorus soars like an eagle in the Montana sky. “What’s Inside” provides a bit of that “lighter in the air” feel to it, which really shows the pop side to Brighter Than A Thousand Suns. The chant in the outro of the song causes hands to clap, and for you to really get into the groove of the song.
Brighter Than A Thousand Suns showcases a crime against the music industry. This band should be one of the biggest bands on the planet with their hooks, guitar riffs, synthesizers that provide an incredible backdrop to the music, and the rhythm that is so infectious that you’ll be checked at the local doctor. This EP showcases the new direction that they have taken in their musicianship and I’m welcoming the new direction with an open heart and open arms as I proudly say that this deserves a 5 out of 5 star rating from yours truly! You will have this EP in a loop, this I promise you!
Here is the track listing:
- “The Upside Down”
- “The Way Out”
- “Hole In Your Heart”
- “What’s Inside”
Check out the music video to “The Upside Down” below!
“Calling” by Brighter Than A Thousand Suns, (originally done by VAMPS)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVpFo2rq3Vs
Find Brighter Than A Thousand Suns at the following locations:
www.facebook.com/brighterthan1000suns
www.brighterthanathousandsuns.com
