Chance hit: Lunavela and [Sun] Automatic reviewed

[Sun] Automatic – Desire

Genre: Psychedelic Rock, Indie Rock, Garage Rock

Genesis P.Orridge used to keep an electric violin by the side of the stage. The instrument was tuned, plugged in, and ready to go. Of course, Genesis couldn’t actually play the violin. Still, lack of playing expertise had not stopped them from creating a memorable musical body of work. 

See, the point of the violin had to do with possibilities. It was all about a strange novel that P.Orridge had once read. In it, a novice violin player picks up the instrument and plays a riff that transports them into a completely different world. It’s something to do with the notes being played or the rhythm. But, the point is that however unlikely it may seem, it can happen!

[Sun] Automatic’s Desire stumbles upon some of those magic riffs and psych-pop melodies. It is the unlikely combination that keeps the rock furnace burning and delivering great works. [Sun] Automatic may be giving a nod to the magic 1960s, but the possibilities that they seem to quote hint towards the future. 

Lunavela – You know who you are, you know how I feel

Genre: Adult Contemporary, Shoegaze, Alternative Rock

Similar artists: Blur, Pulp, Interpol, Modest Mouse, Wilco

The arc of the well-groomed, sharp-dressed indie rockstar, normally follows a clear trend. Stage 1: the rockstar becomes well-known for anthemic, but heartful songs. Stage 2: the rockstar embraces experimentation thus showing they are no one-trick ponies. Stage 3: the rock star embraces mopey, but beautiful tunes that express their lack of belief in the life that they’ve chosen. 

Don’t worry! It happens to almost anyone. Paul Weller, Noel Gallagher, Damon Albarn. Being British doesn’t seem to help. But, it is, by now, something with which music fans have got used to. Life flows in its organized way, and so does the life of an indie rockstar. 

Lunavela have moved into melancholy-filled terrain early as can be observed by You know who you are, you know how I feel. The tune is a slow, soul-inspired indie-rock number that feels like having a good cry before walking your dog on a Sunday morning. Lunavela know where the deepest sadness comes from and embraces it.