Written by J. Dylan White

Like a new station cutting through the static of searching the radio dial, sundayclub’s self-titled debut LP makes a bold statement wrapped in nostalgia, catchy hooks, and memorable vocal prowess.

The Winnipeg-based outfit, formed by Courtney Carmichael and Nikki St. Pierre, seamlessly blends a fresh indie sound with the feeling of recalling a memory bathed in fuzz and haze.

With its subject matter rife with references to summer and the pure freedom it typically brings, “SUNDAYCLUB” encapsulates the struggle with coming-of-age and its weight. Likewise, Carmichael and St. Pierre started the band as a way of processing and capturing the curiosities and complexities of coming into one’s own, according to a press release.

“Tune In” kickstarts the record as a sharp, pulsating drive lasting less than 90 seconds. Carmichael’s vocals delicately layer above the synth, innocently declaring, “I’m tuning in to see what’s happening.”

“Blue Wave” follows as a fun, nostalgic journey that aches for a summer drive in the same old blue Pontiac referenced in the chorus. According to Carmichael, the song centers on experiencing nostalgia in real time and missing the current moment before it passes, and her vocals lend an overcast quality to the track. The classic indie rock summer song makes effective use of every second.

Continuing in the same summer-themed vein, “Sad Summer” grounds itself by stripping away more of the ethereal elements of its predecessors to lend a slightly rawer sound to the track.  Carmichael sings, “Nothing can stop me from being down / Not 35 degrees or the circus in town.”  

The upbeat sound contrasts with the melancholy subject matter, and listeners might overlook the depth of the lyrics if not intently absorbing their message.

“Camera Shy” has some of the most full-bodied instrumentation and movement present on the album, and it embraces a carefree spirit compared to the tracks before it. Low stakes but enjoyable, this is a toe-tapping listen destined for repeat.

On “Lombard,” Carmichael’s voice seems suspended in space and is the spotlight of the entire track. The vocals are beautiful and fragile, reflecting the state of mind of the speaker.

As the longest track on the record at five minutes and 30 seconds, “Turquoise” pulls back even further from an already reserved sonic bassline in an achy track begging for respite only time in the water can bring. The opening lines declare, “I wanna jump right in and wade but I can’t hold my breath for long / And I wanna lie in turquoise.”

Despite its length compared to the rest of the album, “Turquoise” doesn’t overstay its welcome and is a well-rounded and relatable idea, stressing relief and healing while hammering the summer imagery permeating the album.

“SUNDAYCLUB” is tied together by its observations on fleeting moments and the desire to desperately preserve them. Throughout the record, summer becomes a symbol of transition and freedom, and that tension is where the album grounds much of its emotional weight.

“Corydon Ave (To Meet You)” shifts back in line further with the earlier tracks as the drums keep a stricter sense of time and introduce more structure. With big hits in the choruses and one of the only prominent solos on the record, this song lends itself to a more grandiose nature that expands the chops listeners can expect from sundayclub.

Centering on the inner turmoil of someone whose romantic interest has an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, “Sober” is one of the heaviest songs on the record. The chorus reflects, “I wish you were sober / Oh, but you’re not / I wish we were over / Oh, but we’re not.”

The track is like a slow waltz, which brilliantly parallels a drunken stumble. Although slightly plodding, the seriousness and weight of the topic explored make it a worthwhile entry.

Closing out the record, “woym?” picks up the pace as the speaker asking the question “What’s on your mind?” takes center stage. The track forms a fitting dovetail with its predecessor, as it could easily be following the same characters from the preceding drunken night.

One of the most dramatic and ear-grabbing moments of the entire release occurs in the final minute of the song, with a huge key change that transforms the meaning of the same words in the chorus from dreary hopelessness to optimism. That element alone makes it a fitting closer for the entire record.

sundayclub’s self-titled album makes a strong first impression and abounds in its replay value. With just over 33 minutes of runtime over nine tracks, each song makes its statement and does not linger too long, while also giving listeners a trove of thought-provoking content.

“SUNDAYCLUB” is an extremely solid foundation to build upon and is a nearly ideal indie rock debut record. 

Credit: Evie Maynes