Sun on Sun is a meaty album, dominated by tough guitars and heavy drums wrapped by Adam's apple-shaking vocals.  The three Carney brothers' slow-cooked tempo is what makes it stand out, though.  The vast dynamic of low-key rhythms and in-your-face instruments makes for a twisted set of songs that are genuinely unique. 

The opening track, "Shell Skull", crawls along a rugged, distorted guitar riff and deep vocals before erupting into a chorus of slamming drums, wailing, and a higher electric feel. Power and danger flow naturally from it.  "Swell" is a cold, quiet interlude before "White Hands", which starts off with a quick grunge riff then pulls the cord and coasts on a testosterone-soaked harmony and extremely deliberate, distorted grind.  "White Mice" is a near-seven-minute track that builds in absolutely no hurry into an avant-metal spike and ultimately a complex, bluesy saunter.  The title track, however, is a nine-minute journey on an even calmer pace, but worth every second.  The album finishes on the slick organ-driven "Tell Me About" and the acoustic "The Brush Burned Fast", which is enhanced by haunting wind effects. 

Far too often these days, power-rock is one-dimensional, cheesy, or both.  Sun on Sun is neither, though, and amazingly brawny and complex.  It sounds like the Carneys could kick your ass, but have far more important things on their minds.

MP3 Stream: "Shell Skull"