Goldenboy’s Shon Sullivan has been a busy man as the go-to-guy for filling out a group’s touring band, including the likes of Bright Eyes, Neil Finn, Stephen Malkmus and Grandaddy. But he’s found time to follow up his 2006 album, Underneath the Radio, with the new Sleepwalker (Eenie Meenie Records).
Busting out of the pack of songs, “Different Moon” begins with ripping chords and an almost punk-heavy bass riff, and then slides glowingly into Sullivan’s singing style that smoothes the crinkles on any day. Both “Holiday” and “Chelsea Girl” emulate their titles, with one inspiring you to pack your bags for an adventure to a foreign land, and the other spiking thoughts of Twiggy circa 1966 strutting down the avenue.
“He Liked Cloudy Weather” is drenched with a crispness, like the early morning after a rain storm. As the antithesis to KISS’ “Rock and Roll All Night” kind of song, Goldenboy’s take is bit more subdued and sophisticated, crafted with a layering of acoustic and electronic…and subject matter that’s a bit more deep than partying e-very-day.
Finishing up the album with its title track “Sleepwalker” is a fitting way to end the day; calm and content, contemplative and serene.
Yes, the wait was worth it. Goldenboy’s Sleepwalker goes straight to the heart and spreads a warm glow across all your limbs. As the world gets nutso more and more each day, we all need this kind of musical X-stasy to balance out our daily lives.
Sullivan’s Goldenboy troupe will be heading out on tour and coming to Denver on February 14, a VD gig at Bender’s Tavern. The remaining tour dates include:
2/15 – Colorado Springs, CO @ Triple Nickel Tavern
2/16 – Albuquerque, NM @ Low Spirits
2/17 – Phoenix, AZ @ Hard Rock Cafe
2/25 – Los Angeles, CA @ Hotel Café *Record Release Show
3/9 – Tucson, AZ @ Skrappy’s
3/13 – Arlington, TX @ Phil’s
3/17 – Austin, TX @ Esther’s Follies
3/31 – Philadelphia, PA @ Millcreek Tavern
