Sunday 1994 [Deluxe] Debut Album Review.

From ‘Tired Boy’ to ‘Blossom’ Sunday 1994 is pure magic. Diverse riffs connected with lyrics that are creatively curated - with references to the church matched with a pretty white dress on stage and you have the definition of something new and intrinsically crafted that speaks volumes in a new space within the music industry.

Paige Turner and Lee Newell’s chemistry has brought us to this very moment in time where we get to hear and enjoy their minds colliding. 10 years of history and anticipation emerging to the forefront of what is now Sunday 1994.

Sunday 1994 starts, unusually, with a decade long history; Turner and Newell previously worked for years together on numerous projects for other artists within the music industry. From Adverts to writing lyrics to composing, this dynamic duo have done it all. Yet they hadn’t just yet done it for themselves.

We enter into the Debut Album with ‘Tired Boy’ a brilliant first single speaking of being in a draining relationship with a guy that has no responsibilities to be held accountable for. A reflection on a past relationship, we ourselves delve into similar experiences, mirroring the agony of growing ‘tired’ and bored of the repetitive days doing nothing with a nobody. This songs cast me back to when I was a teen: young, stupid and limitless.

Now I won’t speak about every song on the Album. They all have their quirks that speak effortlessly for themselves but I will however, dissect my favourites as I delve deeper into the world that is Sunday 1994.

‘Stained Glass Window’ is a beautiful work of art, an honest and pure song that highlights not only Turner’s stunning voice but many references to the church. Accompanied by a little white dress and a cross ‘tattoo’ by her eye Turner knows how to put the Sunday in 1994. With abstract lyrics that take you through a story in time, she demonstrates that new music is not lost. Flowing through lines like ‘I took some pictures, of me and you and superglued them over scriptures. So, I can worship something true.’ and ‘ separated by a stained-glass window, my tears are coloured rainbow. Nothing can come between us. Not even Jesus.’ I mean pure genius and a revelation for those that care deeply about the words we’re listening to.

Now closing with the song that started it all for me. ‘Blossom’. I myself came across the band through an Instagram Reel- captured by the lyrics of the song, I immediately followed and forwarded it to my friends and band members. The perfect balance of cleverness and dark humour allows for this song to be at the top of my favourites list. Not only does this song have simple yet amazing one liners like ‘Yesterday, was yesterday’ but also it continues to punch through with lyrics that cross the bounds of poetry - something I rather enjoy, being poetic in nature myself. I’ve found in recent years we’ve missed the poetry and the romanticism in music- due to pop music and what Sunday 1994 does is bring creative and unique phrases to life that allow our minds to fill with imagination. Simple yet evoking.

I love this song for its lyrics but I would be shining the light to glaringly at only Turner herself. Newell (guitarist) and ‘X’ (drummer) also meet us at each dimension. Through a neat string picking guitar riff that I can’t seem to not hum to and drumming that pushes the boundaries at the right places. This song leaves you feeling whole and renewed- as if maybe this is how we wash off all our sins.

Sunday 1994 represents the pinnacle moment where the past and future became one. Follow them, watch them, support them. They’re a band that’s just getting started and with a start like this, who knows what they’re capable of.