Sonny And The Sunsets

Sun-kissed psychedelic pop group Sonny And The Sunsets is, as its name suggests, upbeat. But beneath all that reverb and gently shaken shakers is a murmur of sadness that’s impossible to miss hanging in the air of the San Francisco band’s modest compositions and humble productions. That nuanced and patient approach is no doubt informed by frontman Sonny Smith’s time spent as a playwright and also letting his manic creativity run wild. For his recent project 100 Records, he dreamt up 100 imaginary bands, commissioned 100 artists to design covers for their 7-inches, and proceeded to write and record A- and B-sides for each of them. The full band’s latest record, Hit After Hit, isn’t quite that artsy, but that’s not to say the live show doesn’t show some performance-art promise.

Updated 07/12/2011