For a band called Sumos, Andrew Kilroy, Joel Sloan, Kyle Tarbuck and Siobhan Tarbuck look surprisingly fit. The Manchester band sounds good as well on their debut LP Surfacing. The record is out today on Meritorio and Safe Suburban Home Records after making some serious waves in the indie scene with their 2020 debut EP. Many of our respected fellow bloggers have been lauding the early singles of Surfacing, and to be honest, my hands have been itching to write about the band as well. We have a strict full release only policy on Add To Wantlist though. After all, our website is all about sharing music you can actually add to your wantlist, or better yet: purchase. Admittedly, we also apply the policy for our own health and safety given the onslaught of new tracks that musicians drop each hour of the day. But I’m drifting off, it’s finally time to explain why Sumos is near the top of my wantlist!
Reason 1: it has one of my favorite songs of 2023 in Small Talk, an energetic jangle pop hit. It’s no surprise the song stays just shy of the 3 minute mark, because it is a near perfect pop song.
Reason 2: Sumos are more punchy and pacey than your average indie pop band. I wouldn’t call them powerpop per se (the jangly brit pop label a more likely fit I guess), but the band has a pleasant edge that makes them stand out.
Reason 3: Sumos like to mix things up. The best example is Mostly Harmless, an outsider finger picking folky song that offers a breather in the middle part of Surfacing. The Other One is another outsider. It is the loudest and longest track and has a chorus that sends Neutral Milk Hotel vibes.
Reason 4: Sweet melodies in abundance!
I could go on, but I rather have the music convince you. Press play below and become a Sumos fan as well!