Sun
XXXX

The German way to grunge. Thus, if I were mean, I could end this review and dismiss this album. But mean, despite many judgments, I am not at all and, more importantly, I've never liked prejudices. Why define a European grunge band as uninteresting or unoriginal? Mystery!

When I prepared to listen to "XXXX" for the first time, I was pleasantly surprised by the grit and personality infused in the notes by our German friends.

No virtuosity, the genre doesn't require it, but neither does it follow slavish emulations. Sure: Pearl Jam remains the primary source of inspiration, but you'll also find Nirvana-like outbursts and even "Pink Floyd-esque" echoes. In some tracks, no less, a flute can be heard!

In short, these Sun did have their own identity but also the misfortune of not being born in America.

So let's dive into the music, because "XXXX", in many ways, can even give a run for their money to certain overseas bands. Released in the prehistoric year of 1995, the album still retains its freshness today.

"Stolen" is perhaps the most aggressive track. Grunge and metal shake hands passionately. With "Stupid Tom", the specter of Pearl Jam emerges, but there's no doubt about the originality of the offering. "Food" surprises with some "funky rock" inserts, but the overall trend still harkens back to the sacred monsters of Seattle and surroundings. "Now" seems like a composition straight out of an album like "Vitalogy" by Vedder & Co. Dark and disorienting.

Let's now move on to the more intense and engaging compositions.

"Discharge", a moving ballad that reconciles us with ourselves.

"Traffic", an energetic and rowdy punk-grunge.

But the golden palm undoubtedly goes to "Family Affairs". Over six minutes of dark and sinister acid rock. The melodies find their way among the guitar riffs and the frontman's paranoid singing. Here, aside from the usual Pearl Jam, some nods to the less cerebral Pink Floyd can be spotted.

If you've never digested Seattle sound emulators like Bush, Silverchair, or Stone Temple Pilots, trust me, the Sun might prove to be a great surprise.

If, on the contrary, you find it all "already heard", you'll have practical proof that I don't understand a blessed thing.