Virginian indie group Sun V Set have recently released their second single “LA Electric” with the release of an LP on the horizon. Not only do they have one of the most intriguing names, but their sound is equally alluring.
From the title of “LA Electric” you may be expecting a tribute to The Doors, but you end with something completely different. The guitar intro has a sort of grunge sound but that quickly dissipates when lead vocalist Linnea Morgan comes in to ground the song in an indie style.
Ironically most of the instruments in “LA Electric” are acoustic. The most subdued of these elements being the drums which have almost no flare to them. There are no interesting fills or anything to spice it up. Granted the drums are rarely meant to be at the forefront but they do feel a little bland.
The inclusion of what I believe are heavily distorted vocals during the midpoint instrumental is an odd choice. It is a little much for me. It sounds like a guitar at first but ends up just sounding like someone speaking in a weird and slightly disturbing voice. It certainly provides a unique experience for a first-time listener.
With all the negativity out of the way, which isn’t much since I really like this track, let’s look at the strengths of “LA Electric.” The best part is Morgan, driving the song with her dynamic vocals. She has a great range which is not put under any stress in this song. She has plenty of nice little tricks that make her stand out amongst the masses.
The main guitar riff, which is soloed over midway through the song, is great. It is super catchy and not too complicated. It sounds like it’s being played on an acoustic guitar with a pickup. “LA Electric” has a similar sound and chord progressions to the group’s first single “Ankle Biter Thorn.” The latter is entirely acoustic so “LA Electric” shows the group exploring a little more of their rock abilities.
I absolutely adore the violin solo. I certainly did not expect it and it was a more than welcome surprise. Coming right after the distorted vocal segment, it is sort of a 180. The transition from very electronic to analog is very quick, nearly gave me whiplash but it was a thrill.
My initial impressions of “LA Electric” were mixed. Though I thought the positives outweigh the negatives, I wasn’t sure if the song does enough to impress. It does, a conclusion I’ve drawn after several more listens. I just keep coming back to it. When you consider how fantastic and hypnotic Morgan’s vocals are and most of the instrumentation is, you can’t deny this song has a lot going for it.
It has barely been a year since Sun V Set released their debut single, but they have already established an impressive and professional portfolio, and both of their singles prove they are a tour de force. I have faith that their first LP will see them come into their own and become a truly great band.
