A new album from Sunny War is in the immediate offing and, for those who just can’t wait until its 21st February release date – here’s an enticing morsel of the treat to come.
Release Date: 15th January 2025
Label: New West Records
Formats: Digital
A FACE OF 2023
Readers of the mainstream music press will be well aware; Sunny War was one of the faces of 2023. Her album, Anarchist Gospel, received massive acclaim and not just within the pages of Mojo, Uncut and the rest – we loved it here at At The Barrier, too. It’s fair to say that, in 2023, Sunny War ceased to be a fringe artist and started to receive the plaudits that have long been her due.
But, for those who haven’t been paying attention or who have maybe spent the months since the February 2023 release of Anarchist Gospel on the Moon, let’s recap…
Sunny War was born Sydney Lyndella Ward to a single mother in Nashville, Tennessee. As a child, she and her mother moved around the USA, encountering poverty, addiction and deprivation along the way before eventually settling in Venice Beach, California. She’s recently upped sticks once again and she’s now back in Nashville, the town where it all – good and bad – started for her. Her first steps as a performer were with punk band, Anus Kings, before she went on to develop her folk/blues interests. Before Anarchist Gospel, she’d released five previous albums between 2014 and 2021 including the magnificent Simple Syrup.
ARMAGEDDON IN A SUMMER DRESS
And the truly great and very welcome news is that Sunny War has another new album, her seventh, in the can and on the blocks. Already titled Armageddon In A Summer Dress, it’s scheduled for a 21st February release and, to whet the collective appetites of her growing fanbase and the waiting press, Sunny has started to drip-feed us all with a stream of singles from the album.
Single #1, Walking Contradiction, an anarcho-punk anthem that features Steve Ignorant from Crass and which takes Sunny full circle, back to her punk roots, hit the airwaves just a couple of weeks ago and was greeted by a wave of approval that was, pretty much, universal. Now, it’s time for another.
CRY BABY
New single, Cry Baby was written with Valerie June – a long-time inspiration to Sunny – in mind. Sunny is delighted that Valerie has agreed to sing backing vocals on the track, as she explains: “I’ve opened for Valerie June quite a bit and, years ago, I asked if I could try to write a song for her. Somewhere in Portland, Oregon, I wrote Cry Baby with Valerie in mind. I always listen to her when I want to be calmed down or hugged. I’m stoked that she was down to sing on this song inspired by her.”
Cry Baby is an excellent song, of that there’s no doubt; easily up there alongside the best of Sunny’s work so far. The sound is big and bluesy, Sunny’s lead vocal is passionate, tuneful and wonderfully soulful. When Valerie adds her harmony vocals for the chorus, the halcyon days of Tamla Motown are brought immediately to mind. This being a Sunny War track, there are, of course, lots of sparkling guitar licks to enjoy as well.
Cry Baby is an enticing taster for those of us awaiting the new Sunny War album with bated breath. Not long to wait, now….
Listen to Cry Baby here:
Sunny War online: Website/ Facebook/ Instagram/ YouTube / Bandcamp
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Categories: Single Review
