Review
Trophy Eyes is back with their fourth album, Suicide and Sunshine. It is a poignant and emotionally charged rollercoaster of an album that captures the band’s journey through the darkest depths of despair and the brightest rays of hope. In the midst of the pandemic and stringent restrictions in Australia, the band found themselves grappling with the loss of joy in their musical journey. However, they eventually found solace in the studio, reigniting their collective passion for music.
The band have always been known for their penchant for blending punk and hardcore roots with a modern rock and pop sensibility. Their music has typically been a balance of light and heavy, and the album’s title itself serves as a stark contrast between the two facets of life – between giving up and pushing forward, the struggle and the triumph. It’s a thematic underpinning that threads through the entire record, giving it a profound sense of depth.
The opening track, “Sydney”, initially lures the listener with gentle pop synths before erupting into John Floreani’s impassioned vocals. It’s an unconventional start that immediately grabs your attention, almost like a wake-up call, setting the tone for the album. “Life In Slow Motion”, the second track, maintains the initial softness, offering a glimpse into Trophy Eyes’ lyrical prowess as John narrates a story of finding hope amidst life’s challenges. It’s a powerful example of their ability to convey complex emotions through their music.
Then comes “Blue Eyed Boy”, the album’s first single released after a year-long hiatus. It’s a perfect blend of Trophy Eyes’ gritty, early years (think Mend, Move On from 2014 and Chemical Miracle from 2016) combined with the synth-rock of today. Once again, they play with the contract of light and dark, seamlessly intertwining vulnerable lyrics with upbeat music.
“Sean” stands out as the most emotionally gripping track on the album. It’s a heartfelt tribute to John’s friend, Sean Kennedy, who tragically took his own life in February 2021. John’s remorse over the last words he exchanged with Sean is palpable. The song doesn’t aim to sum up someone’s life but instead offers an honest account of that fateful day, the emotions, and the events that unfolded. Sean Kennedy was a prominent figure in the Australian metalcore scene as the bassist for Deez Nuts and I Killed The Prom Queen.
As you approach the album’s final track, “Epilogue”, written as a farewell to their fans, you’ll find that it serves as a fitting conclusion. Despite the band’s decision to continue their journey together, this track still carries a sense of closure.
In a world that often feels uncertain and chaotic, Suicide and Sunshine stands as a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is always a glimmer of hope waiting to emerge. Trophy Eyes have crafted an album that not only resonates with their fans but also offers solace and solidarity to anyone navigating the complexities of life. It’s a musical masterpiece that leaves an indelible mark on our hearts and souls, and it is sure to be remembered as a defining moment in the band’s career.