Alternative rock as an alternative to rock sounds like an oxymoron.
But Texas’ The Distant Sun aren’t any kind of moronic. This is intelligent and passionate rock, and an alternative to the current rock scene. They are wonderfully reminiscent of alternative rock’s hey day of the late 80s and early 90s, without ever feelingly slavishly contrived.
‘Forever‘ is a standout of the band’s arsenal and one of those tracks which has it all: tempo changes, impassioned vocals, big moments and a lot of dynamics. Monica Solis’ vocals are rich and raw, and leave no doubt as to what Distant Sun are all about.
The musicianship is first rate, never over-complicated or dense, and everything has room to breathe. The track slowly unwinds, releasing all its tension and aggression, Solis’ vocal also portraying this sense of release. ‘Forever’ unburdens itself, and leaves the listener feeling like a close confidante, as though they have just shared something very intimate.
The Distant Sun are Monica Solis, Manuel Riojas Jr, Rene Chacon, Wade Jocobi, Patrick Kennison and Tony Romos. They are based in San Antonio but also call North Hollywood and the Lakehurst Records label home.
When music is this upfront and personal it’s impossible not to sit up and take notice. Distant Sun offer a very different vision of what rock music should be today. Subdued and subtle, it shies away from the often over-the-top dynamics employed by so many of their peers.
Instead, Distant Sun decide to actually speak to their audience, and what a proposition that is.
