EP Review: Dark Days in the Sun

Dark Days In The Sun is the first EP from the joined forces of Anglebox; Christchurch’s own The Late Starters and Blackholestars. At first listen, the overall vibe is Kiwi-as pop rock. There’s a great black and white picture of the band; Tip Top ice cream sign as the backdrop to 5 pairs of Ray-Bans & slim straights; David Stack (vocals), Greg Mannering (bass), Richard Grist (lead guitar), Dave Deakins (drums), Ian Cartwright (rhythm guitar).

Opening the EP Who Are We Really is an introspective start. David Stack’s vibrant vocals quiz us; disguising quite an existential question with uplifting chord progressions and tempo, driven by a lively rhythm from Dave Deakins on drums. It really leans into that classic 2000’s radio friendly sound; I can imagine it fitting in nicely with the other Kiwi classics on the Outrageous Fortune soundtrack.

Teenage Dream is my least favorite track on the album as I found the melody of the verses quite dreary. Unfortunately, the use of major chords aren’t enough to change my mind on this one. The lyrics are fun and reminisce on carefree drunken nights and the bliss of youth. The bridge at the 2:30 mark takes this song up a notch; a punchy, building drum beat punctuating Stack’s evocative lyrics “backstage passes intercepted, memories for the fans you met, they won’t remember, they wont forget”. We were treated to a California-toned guitar solo which certainly quenched my thirst after the dryness of the first half of the song.

With a song title as silly as Undies on the Lawn, it was inevitable that it would become my favourite on the EP; who can resist a catchy hook? “Undies on the lawn, out in the fresh air, undies on the lawn, they were my best pair, undies on the lawn, what will become of me?”. I couldn’t be sure how many of us are losing our underwear (no judgement here) but even if you haven’t yet experienced that kind of misplacement, you’ll definitely be rocking along. This track really takes the EP up a notch, fast paced and energetic with a slick guitar riff. It would be a hoot to see this one performed live – I know for a fact it’d grip the crowd by the undies.

Want My Lover has an infectious shuffle beat that closes the track list off on true pop-punk rock. This song reminiscences on past love; light-hearted yet filled with attitude, capturing the essence of youthful rebellion and desire. By the time the song wraps up, you’ll find yourself humming it long after it’s over. It’s the perfect ending to an EP that’s full of variety but always stays rooted in its rock foundation, leaving listeners with a sense of energetic satisfaction.

In summary, Dark Days In The Sun is an EP that blends nostalgia with modern rock, all while staying true to the unmistakable Kiwi sound. It’s an EP that’s easy to listen to, front-to-back, thanks to the experienced musicianship, solid instrumentation, and original songwriting. Although Teenage Dream didn’t totally rock my world, I think that Anglebox have given their listeners a love letter to life, friends, and hijinks.