Outta Their Minds – Sun Room
★★★★☆
Sometimes, all you need are some good friends, good music, and a bit of California sun. It is, however, non-negotiable that the playlist involves Sun Room’s latest EP Outta Their Minds.
Having first gained popularity from an accidentally viral TikTok, Sun Room found themselves with touring opportunities, joining Louis Tomlinson and Inhaler. They are no strangers to finding themselves in mass public support, but they’ve stayed true to their SoCal garage-rock roots. Their latest EP emphasizes their natural sound, but is fuelled by retro infusions to create the perfect summer soundtrack.
“Sunset Garage” strays from the band’s usual motif of friendship and fun to focus on another aspect of the dream surf-rock summer: the perfect fling. This tribute to the girl who works at the garage fixing cars features a 50’s doo-wop sound to encapsulate that throwback summer feeling. “Cadillac” and the title track “Outta Their Minds” have a 60’s British invasion quality that perfectly compliments the band’s trademark sound.
“Cadillac” is an honest track. The lyrics “Well hey there girl / You look so fine / But now girl / I don’t have a dime to my name” are true to the band members’ lives prior to finding fame. Members of the band, but most notably lead singer Luke Asgian, have spoken about lacking in funds, but never wanting to sell out for a commercial sound. The band wants to stay true to themselves, their fans, and the sound they have perfectly cultivated in the name of fun.
Similarly, “Kaden’s Van” speaks about the free-spirited mindset the band has as long as they’ve got their summers. It is the only song from the EP that does not feature a noticeable throwback sound, but it stands as a cumulative representation of the band’s consistent summer themes and the message to pursue fun, friends, and happiness before worrying about the number in your bank account.
Overall, the EP is the perfect addition to Sun Room’s growing discography, and I can only anticipate the excitement and joy of hearing them play it live.