American pop-rock band Sugar Glyder have released their new album, The Eyes: They See. A sugary sweet slab of bright pop tunes, the new album offers a lot for those who can't decide between guitars or keyboards.
Hailing from Charlotte, North Carolina, Sugar Glyder have already achieved a solid reputation stateside and are making their move internationally, to spread their energetic vibes everywhere they can with their second album. The four-piece delivers crisp, clear pop rock with a half-shot of indie delivered through their tight shirts, beards and owl imagery (?).
After doing some research on the band, the first thing that struck me is their scope. Despite being quite a small band, from a small town, they have announced a massive an America-wide tour. While I cannot be the one to judge, I do feel that Sugar Glyder aren't so much an actual band with a message, but instead are a bunch of guys playing 'band', following the rounds of such bands as Paramore and Fall-Out Boy, who seem like big influences.
While this seems the case, they do a good job at following their heroes and churning out pop hits with a rock 'edge'. Sugar Glyder's lead vocalist, Daniel Howie, provides rich, full vocals that match with uplifting harmonies. No matter the track, Howie's voice remains strong. Songs like 'So Long, Goodnight' and 'Lady Touch' show off a versatility of his occasionally twangy, southern accent can be. Lead single 'Lost In The Woods', combines dark-ish atmosphere with reassuring, blasting pop in between the trees.
The album is more in the way of pop-rock, than anything indie. While it's not a groundbreaking sound, and Sugar Glyder are definitely not doing anything unique, they do it well and it suits the name perfectly. If I had any suggestions for the band, it would be to fire the keyboards. That sound was killed a few years ago and still remains a stubborn stain in some circles. The band has some great riffs and definitely technical proficiency, so they should strip things down instead of drowning otherwise great songs in prickly neon keyboard lines.