EP Review: Sunliner – Structure / Average At Best EP

Sunliner – formerly Jake & the Jellyfish – drop their ‘debut’ EP under their new moniker this Friday (May 22^nd). Frontman Jake McAllister (Also host of the ‘Desert Island Punks’ podcast) has spoken about how the ‘rebranding’ reflects that band’s musical development; still embracing their folk-punk roots, but now portraying a more direct, heavier approach. This 2-track EP, released through Lockjaw Records (UK) and Paper + Plastick (US), showcases the ‘refreshed’ sound of the Leeds four piece.

First up, ‘Structure’ rolls in with immediacy, and a clever couplet – “They say you’ll never work a day, if you do what you love. Well I love not working, and sleeping enough.” – McAllister’s voice all raspy, while the band revel in a tight, full-on assault that breaks into a rapturously cathartic sing-along chorus and an explosive, pop-punk wig-out.

‘Average At Best’ is no less understated, with its brash chords and pounding drums. The fuzz and sheen of the guitars and rumble of bass flash and fade consistently, allowing the relatable “The ground’s moving, and I’m spinning plates,” to come to the fore. Describing his songwriting, Jake says, “I always try to make lyrics personal and to tell an arc, but I want to the listener to feel like I could be talking about them. We all struggle, and all have our worries and problems. I might not be able to fix them, but hopefully we can make people feel even a little less alone.”

The band will be live streaming the EP on Friday on their own, and the Lockjaw Records, Facebook page. DETAILS HERE.

Like straight-ahead, high-energy punk with a raw, but melodic edge? Structure / Average At Best EP is available as a picture flexi-disc – with £1 from each sale going to Leeds North & West Foodbank – from the Lockjaw website, or digitally through Bandcamp. Sunliner can be followed on their Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.