Ohio garage rock outfit the Sun pick up where they left off from their previous two EPs for their polished debut album,
Blame It on the Youth. Both
Love & Death and
Did Your Mother Tell You? highlighted taut guitar riffs and catchy, playful rock songs. This 14-song set is nothing more and nothing less than what the Sun has previously released. From the rollicking pop sounds of "Lost at Home" and album opener "Must Be You" to the more punk-inspired moments of "2B4" and "Taking the Lord's Name in Vein," the Sun offer an infectious, genuine kind of energy. Vocalist Chris Burney seems fidgety and self-aware throughout, and it's a solid impression for the kind of rock music the Sun is offering here. Even the more melancholic, sappy ballads highlight a confident band in the making. Songs such as "Lose Your Money" and "Say Goodbye" are a nice mix in the Sun's hungry disposition. A few songs could have been tightened up just a bit, but album closer "Valentine" shows the most promise for a band that seems intent on making original music. [The DVD album version of
Blame It on the Youth can only be played on DVD players and DVD-ROM drives. Fourteen videos accompanying the track release can also be converted into MP3s.] ~ MacKenzie Wilson