The TV clicks on, static buzzes and a four note chime rings. A distorted voice starts talking about their dreams while a steady single synth note rings out. It’s eerie, but the music starts to swell as they say “but I’ve been having more dreams lately.” It feels like we’re walking through a portal into their dreamscape. We are welcomed to Sunrise City. The album begins. 

There’s 15 tracks clocking in at 47 minutes. We’re in for a ride through nostalgia, yearning, honesty, introspection, and love. Half of the album is produced by the legendary Neal Avron — the producer for many influential bands such as Fall Out Boy, Weezer, and Linkin Park. 

The album starts out strong with “Pink Lemonade,” which is undoubtedly the best choice for their lead single. They’ve grown into their own unique sound that stands out in this track — leaning into the “pop” side of “pop punk.” It has a hook that can get stuck in your head for days; “Pink lemonade / half-sweet in her own way / nothing to say to her / pink lemonade.” We learn that the tune of “Pink Lemonade” is where the chime in the intro track comes from. 

There’s tracks that pull you into a dance party, “I’M IN LOVE!!” and “Onto Me” are bops for those that are yearning. They’re a bit cheeky, but overall they have a strong proclamation of love that makes you want to stick your head out the sunroof driving down a highway. “Dimension” is a funky swing with an incredible bassline. It’s once again a proclamation of love, but this time it’s in the form of shaking your hips under a disco ball.

“Burden” stopped me dead in my tracks on my first listen. Sure, it has an upbeat tone but the lyrics are anything but, crying out “Am I just a burden? It’s okay if I am.” There’s layers to the music. It tries to sound happy, but there’s a constant piano riff that feels like choking back tears. It’s a moment of grey skies and self-loathing. It serves as a place to vent, to be vulnerable and honest. They take advantage of that space to be honest in other ways as well! “Don’t Cry” is the most pop punk sounding song on the album; very present in the drums and a quicker tempo than the last few songs. There’s a tinge of cockiness as it takes a brutally honest swing at toxic masculinity — “Toughen up, don’t cry” and “Caught up in what a man should do / and you’re too stuck on an attitude.” 

A different instance of vulnerability is on the song “Nothing’s Broken” — where the 80s coming-of-age-film-esque synths blend with Bradley’s vocals, begging the listener to understand that “Nothing’s wrong / with your head / nothing’s ruined / just cuz of something you said.” Sub-Radio has a history of reaching out to their audience as a shoulder to lean on, offering words of encouragement and support. It’s one of their many charms. During live shows, it gives them a moment to connect with the people in the crowd, and gives the crowd a chance to connect with each other. The show becomes a safe space, especially for the band’s many LGBTQ+ fans. Adam Bradley – singer and songwriter for the band – is openly bisexual and he’s not afraid to let that part of him shine. He gives a moment to speak from the heart about the struggles of being out, but how wonderful it is being open with who you are. “Pretty Boy” on the album is a wonderful song about queer love. 

There’s also the theme of nostalgia present in “Sleep On the Beach,” longing for warm summer days on the sand. That nostalgia carries over into “Friends (Summer’s End),” accompanied by steady piano and vocoder effect vocals, “What I wouldn’t do / for one more afternoon / out in the sun.” There’s a soundscape of birds chirping and bugs buzzing through the song, and as it fades out we’re left standing in the backyard on a hot summer day.

“Heavenheavenheaven” is the longest song on the album – 5 minutes and 5 seconds long. I feel like I could live in its mesmerizing melody and piano riffs. It’s a perfect wrap up for a journey through this dreamscape. The song ends with the entire band singing as one.

All in all, Sunrise City is a massive step forward for the band. Neal Avron helped them discover new aspects of their sound in the half of the album he produced — maximizing each band member’s strengths in the second half they self produced. It’s an incredible new chapter for them, and they are only going up from here.

Follow Sub-Radio on Instagram and TikTok and check out the album below!