Eternal Summers - Gold and Stone
7/10
What I expected with a band name like Eternal Summers was a balanced fusion of nostalgic pop and laid back, beachy indie. This was however, not what I got. The songs are throbbing and urgent, only slightly interweaved with pockets of a softer, loftier atmosphere sustained by lead singer Natalie Yun’s sonorous vocals. There is no hint of ‘summer’ but rather a brooding, undulating feeling of unease that carries throughout the album. Because of this there is a real danger of certain tracks becoming indistinguishable – with them merging into one another at points. Gold and Stone on the other hand seems like a very fitting title for this album; the dazzling, richness of Yun’s vocals paired against a background of abrasive instrumentals, respectively: Gold and Stone. So while the band’s name may no longer be fitting for their general sound, it’s clear that they know what it is they want and have executed this with nothing but talent. Gold and Stone is an eclectic display of Eternal Summers’ wide ranging capabilities and multiplicity, a healthy amalgamation of sharp punk, soft pop and breezy alternative. For a fourth album they seem to be ever evolving and growing, stubbornly unafraid to change their sound and resolutely confident in what that sound is. They know exactly what they are.
7/10
N.B Eternal Summers play Norwich Arts Centre on Sept 28th
