‘Northern Lights’ is a truly heartwarming offering. It’s the kind of record that feels familiar and perhaps predictable, yet also tender and calming. The reasons for that might be found in the nostalgic rock-pop allure of Sunstreets, here drenched in hints of Americana and country melodism. Hailing from Southampton, the British band has been absent from the global music scene since 2019, after having formed in 2017 as a sequel to singer and head honcho Lisa Turner’s solo project.
Joined by like-minded musicians Matt Cook (guitar), Matt Williamson (bass), and Sam Turner (drums), the group then proceeded to perform in some of Britain’s most notable venues, like the Half Moon Putney, in London. ‘What’s Out There’ is their last 2019 release, a piece that carries a rather pop-leaning character. Fast forward to today, and ‘Northern Lights’ marks a triumphant return for Sunstreets, as they grapple with their past, but also with their future. The new record is certainly authentic to the band’s own style, but as mentioned, it feels a tad more introspective and melancholic, even wholesome. Guitars are still at the forefront of it all, with Lisa’s luscious vocals conquering the listener’s attention.
Delving deeper into the song’s meaningful ethos, Turner explains: “The song was born from lyrics scribbled on a post-it note whilst working in my 9-5 office job. It imagines what it would feel like to be the only person in the world who has ever seen the northern lights. If you tried to describe something so vivid and beautiful to others, they’d think you were crazy! Dreams are exactly the same. Just because others can’t see the beauty yet doesn’t mean it isn’t real.”
Recommended! Discover ‘Northern Lights’ now: