Annuals deliver fun

A band sentenced as a side-project can be categorized as bland, arrogant, and a simple way for a band member to display their own creative outlet without interfering with the main band’s objective. These side-projects live short lives and rarely ever gain more recognition over the original band’s success.

But Annuals, the offshoot band of Sunfold, have a different story. Residing from Chapel Hill, N.C., this six-piece indie/alternative band provides compelling music with a down-to-earth attitude. Since their formation in 2003 the band have garnered critical recognition and performed live on “Late Night with Conan O’Brien.”

Annuals’ newest release Such Fun further launches their career and helps them stand out among the now ever-popular and overcrowded indie music world. But instead of just blending in with the current fad of clever hooks and long instrumental breaks, Such Fun offers music fans what is difficult to discover in the music industry today: substance.   

If you’re looking for music that is meant to inspire and you don’t want to go for the usual mainstream radio play, Annuals provide a great outlet. Standout track “Hot Night Hounds,” provides a great jamming vibe with lyrics like “Do you feel it / Do you feel it sunk down your throat / Can’t you hear it / Can’t you hear it as it floats.” Those words seem bland but the excitement and anticipation in the song make this hook work.

Other standouts include “Springtime,” “Hair Don’t Grow,” “The Tape” and first single “Confessor.” However, all of them bring about the same elements present in “Hot Night Hounds.”

“Springtime” is a piano-based melody that begs the forgiveness of other seasons yet urges spring to remain. Ringing from desperation, “Springtime, just stay with me please!” is let out in a beautiful, choir-like a cappella finish.

Annuals’ Such Fun is an album meant for those who desire a change. This is a record that shines in the short-term, but also sticks with you for a long time, allowing you to examine all the talented effort that went into its production.