BAD SUNS - INFINITE JOY
Following the success of their fourth album Apocalypse Whenever, Bad Suns’ latest EP Infinite Joy offers an eclectic fusion of ‘80s synth-pop combined with ‘70s funk and 2000s pop-rock, pairing danceable melodies with devastating lyrics. The project leans into cosmic themes through song titles such as ‘Lunar Shadows’ and ‘Astral Plans,’ playing off the EP title Infinite Joy, as the band explores different displays of infinity.
The project kicks off with the vibrant ‘Lunar Shadows,’ beginning with an electric guitar hook reminiscent of early 2000s pop-rock, while the band still plays with synths, maintaining a modern edge. Although the melody will make you want to dance, the lyrics introduce us to the EP’s overall theme of failure and toxicity in relationships - longing for someone who is no longer around.
The second track on Infinite Joy, ‘The One I Used To Love’ leads us into an ‘80s synth-pop-inspired musical theme that is present throughout the record. The spoken word pre-chorus - “silence filled the air with violence, you could cut it with a knife” translates best to a live performance, as fans are unable to resist screaming along to the words before the song crashes into an upbeat and danceable chorus.
‘Astral Plans’ is guided by a funky bass riff and old-school synths sprinkled throughout each measure. Yet another song with an up-tempo melody and danceable hook, this synth-pop track sings of a failing relationship. “We both hate this, let’s not fight it,” sings vocalist Christo Bowen, as the protagonist tries to convince their partner to just give up and let go. Whereas on track four, ‘Everything Is…,’ the exact opposite happens. On this track, Bowen sings “It doesn’t matter if you lie / tell me everything will be alright / I want to give it one more try.” It seems as if both of these songs tell two different sides of the same story.
‘Just To Feel Your Touch’ slows us down after the first four tracks’ incredibly fast-paced dance-pop feel - offering a chill, comfortable vibe. Although a slight change in tempo, this song continues with the EP’s dark lyrical undertones, as the band sings of toxic codependency through groovy ‘70s-esque guitars and prominent bass, shining a light on old-school instrumentation.
Closing out the project, ‘Living Or Dying’ showcases Bowen’s lower register through the verses, as he only expands into a higher octave when reaching the chorus. This song softly sings of a codependent relationship, with our personal favorite line reading “Cinderella slips into a dream like a curse / you could mistake it for Heaven, at first,” describing the mental trance experienced in toxic relationships. Over time, you realize that you mistook codependency for paradise all along.
Bad Suns’ ironically titled Infinite Joy is a genius collection of “crying on the dancefloor” anthems. Through classic ‘80s synths and groovy bass riffs, the band explores themes of long-lost loves, failed relationships, and codependency, leaving us with a satisfying continuation of Bad Suns’ successful career as modern indie-pop blueprints.
Emily Gottlieb
★★★★★