Sun Burn by The Close: A Glimpse Into Indie Rock’s Sunny Side (2006)
Alright, let’s talk about Sun Burn by The Close. Released in 2006 under Goodnight Records, this album feels like that one summer day where the sun is just a little too hot but you don’t care because everything around you feels alive. It’s got layers of rock, indie vibes, and pop sensibilities—all stitched together with an unpolished charm that makes it stick. If you’re into bands like Death Cab for Cutie or early Kings of Leon, this might be your jam.
The record kicks off strong with “Sun,” which honestly? Feels like waking up to sunlight streaming through your window. Brooks’ vocals are smooth yet raw, like he’s whispering secrets only you can hear. The guitar work here is simple but effective—no unnecessary frills, just pure emotion. And then there’s “Ria’s Bluebird,” a track I keep coming back to because it’s got this hauntingly beautiful melody that sneaks up on you. Theresa’s keyboard adds this dreamy layer, almost like watching clouds drift across the sky. You know those songs that feel like they were written just for you? Yeah, this is one of them.
What really stands out about Sun Burn isn’t just its sound—it’s how it feels. There’s something nostalgic about it, even if you didn’t live through 2006. Maybe it’s Mark Rains’ engineering giving the tracks this warm, lived-in texture, or Glenn Schick’s mastering making every note crisp without losing soul. Either way, it’s clear these folks poured their hearts into this thing.
Now, full disclosure: not every song hits perfectly. Tracks like “On the List” and “The John & Donna Thing” show up twice, which feels kinda redundant. Like, hey guys, we get it—you liked those tunes enough to double dip, but maybe once would’ve been enough? Still, the highs outweigh the lows here.
Here’s the kicker though: listening to Sun Burn feels like finding an old mixtape at a garage sale. You don’t know who made it or why, but damn if it doesn’t make you want to hit repeat. It’s messy, heartfelt, and completely human. Honestly, isn’t that what great music should be?
So yeah, give Sun Burn a spin if you’re craving something real. Just don’t blame me when “Ria’s Bluebird” gets stuck in your head for days. Oh, and fun fact: apparently Brooks does both vocals AND guitar duties. Dude’s got range. Who knew?
