EP REVIEW | SUNFLOWER THIEVES – SAME BLOOD | by Rachel Puk

‘You look familiar…’ wistfully transcends our ear drums into the evocative and heartfelt story that the gentle, alt folk-pop Sunflower Thieves tell with their sophomore EP, ‘Same Blood’. The duo, based in Leeds, have crafted and released an intimate, yet expansive, five track project that weaves together organic folk-inspired textures with catchy and contemporary melodies. In their tender and introspective exploration, listeners cannot help but reflect on bittersweet memories, and moments individually experienced growing up.

Opening track, ‘How Was America’, creates warmth with its vocals, the duo unexplainably wraps us in an emotive cocoon, bracing us for the rest of the song’s gentle yet affectional compositions. Like the narrative urges, we are steeped in an isolation that elicits us to reconnect with a version of somebody that no longer exists. Sunflower Thieves successfully unveil the senses of our past.

‘Driving Lessons’ provides a new and spacious arrangement. The bass serves as an extra prang in our hearts before the gentle, yet deeply melancholic, chorus exudes vivid images in its narrative. An extra layer of depth is illustrated when the acoustics flourish for the climax of the song, providing life and movement to the story as a result. The humming drums and distortion conclude the song with a beautiful emotional release.

Sunflower Thieves use their track ‘So Far So Good’ to commentate on the fragmented nature of communication online. Their timeless delivery within this track, juxtaposes their modern social commentary, and enhances their message as a result. The vocals provide a resignation, a subtle acknowledgment of a sense of alienation as a consequence of broken communication.

Titular track, ‘Same Blood’ is without a doubt the strongest track within the project, being instantly engaging with its more dynamic textures, full with guitar and a pretty bassline to lead the way. The duo is successful in using this track to provide momentum, personality, and life to the project, the perfect basis for their signature, mellow vocals. ‘We might not bleed the same blood, but its close enough,’ they testify, a beautiful and undeniably catchy sentiment to encapsulate their friendship and purpose as artists.

Closing with ‘West Park Drive’, Sunflower Thieves finalise their narrative on a nostalgic and reflective note. A softened piano melody, paired sweetly with the depth of the drums, create a tender mood as vocals hum on top. This track is a testament to the purpose of the EP, the striking ending, poignantly reminding us of the past with muffled voices and a crackling radio. We are transported to a distant memory; rediscovering moments we thought we had forgotten.

With their EP, Sunflower Thieves masterfully capture senses of fragility, vulnerability of growing up and learning, yet most importantly the gratitude that arises in hindsight. Having just finished touring the UK leg on Dan Croll’s tour, and supporting Lexie Carroll moments after, Sunflower Thieves have announced a headline show next spring at London St Pancras Church, where their stories in musical form will transcend the room and those who are there to listen. The stories and experiences re-told within this EP are undoubtedly responsible for us in adulthood, making this project pull at the heartstrings of everyone.

Listen to ‘Same Blood’ EP now https://sunflowerthieves.ffm.to/sameblood