Suddyn

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Suddyn

Angela Macari O’Looney

As Alan Steil and his troupe go from strength to strength, the force of their sensational music is as powerful a phenomenon now, although they are over the other side of the Atlantic, as it was when they were treading the boards of venues around Dublin not too long ago!

On hearing that a new creation was emerging from one of my all time favourite bands, I decided to pay them a visit on My Space to listen, while toasting their success in the U.S.A. with a Bud!

Holding up the Backdrop

Yes! The throbbing dramatic Anthema which belongs to this band is alive and kicking in this delicious new number!
A vocal intro sung in choral style takes you into it, followed by a big distortion-packed instrumental. Then a sweet verse is lamented by Alan while behind him a resounding drumbeat adds drama!

The chorus really lovely here, with a melody as overpowering and memorable as that of the hugely successful ‘Gravity’!
A big riff with those choral ah’s continues the song taking you into the next verse. Middle eight gorgeous!
Seamless and sweet, this song has you by the time you arrive at the final chorus.


Generation

A solemn guitar riff intro takes you into this song. Bashing minor chords follow, till Alan begins the melancholic verse. Dramatic lead riffs, delectable chords and lots of bass create a sense of tragedy.

Momentum picks up! This is an epic rock anthem with a lot of chops and changes throughout, lending a new dimension to Suddyn’s usual style in that it is quite sombre in mood and with the beat alternating, keeps your interest.

Side Arm

A lone piano intro is played as Alan sings this number, which expresses his anti-war sentiments. Close harmony is infused in spates, behind mournful lyrics. Melody line exquisite!
Lush piano chords and orchestral strains lift the sense of drama and lend to the meaning of this soulfully performed piece.
It’s a ballad to make you think!
Finally this sad but beautiful song winds down to the lone piano accompanying Alan’s lament of ‘Lay down your side arm for me’!


Closing Spaces

A lead intro with a sweet riff takes you into this song, continuing as Alan begins the verse. A rhythmic baseline emphasises the drama played by Colly. There’s a real sense of anticipation created by Jarrett on lead as the dynamic builds up.

The melody is simple, which is the key to the beauty of this song. Harmony is close in the chorus, which is gorgeous. There’s a dramatic distortion – laden guitar break with choppy chords, then it goes back to the wonderful chorus sung once again by Alan, in that unique and soothing vocal style he has and the harmony is delectable.

The same riff from the intro is performed on piano, and then joined by two guitars in sync taking you to a dramatic finish.

With both good looks and talent, all four of the musicians in this act contribute equal effort and it shows. Alan Steil, front man and vocalist extraordinaire with a way of tickling the ivories that adds edge to the overall sound! Jarrett Steil plays those vibrant chords and powerful lead riffs, while Colly on Bass and Bren on Drums frame the picture.
They’ve had a rollercoaster ride that most bands only dream of and I truly hope that it continues. I know that when they someday return to Irish soil on tour, a certain reviewer who is also a big fan, will be up the front.