'Sunny Daze for President' Review

Today's forecast calls for garage rock with a chance of psychedelic jams

Sunny Daze & the Weathermen have not been around for long, but their unique style, “Flower Punk,” as they like to call it, acts both as a time capsule of 1960s music while still remaining their own creative force. The Pittsburgh-based septet have released their first LP, Sunny Daze for President, the follow-up to 2023’s Sunny Daze and the Weathermen EP. Suffice it to say, this is your introduction to this band. Strap in.

The EP had more of a surf rock-inspired style in the vein of the Ventures. Here, the band switches things up and embraces a sound more akin to a combination of garage groups like the Sonics and the psychedelic sound adopted by groups like Paul Revere & The Raiders in the late 60s. Some tracks still cling to the summer-surf sound, such as “Wild” and “Keep On Talking.”

But, with a song like “Money in Hell,” a harsh critique on the idle rich and their lack of empathy towards the wider world, Sunny Daze & the Weathermen infuse their modern sensibilities in a retro genre. They aren’t lost in some time capsule. They simply bring the energy from the past to our ears today.

Sunny Daze & the Weathermen have the advantage of modern music production on their side, allowing for more complex arrangements, vocal effects, and layering to give the songs an otherworldly vibe, not letting you know what you’re in for until it comes crashing in. “Snake Bite” and “Freak Power” shine in this regard and sound like they could be used in a 60s-style sci-fi B-movie. I mean that in the best way possible.

Running through the album are three tracks all titled “Sun God.” These two-minute instrumentals show off the band’s penchant for a quirky, distorted sound. They also act as brief intermissions throughout.

The songs are bright and energetic, great for putting on at a party, but can also be more laid-back for a late-night drive or a quiet night at home. Like the album artwork, everything is so odd and eccentric, but it all manages to come together and deliver something enjoyable.

Though it’s a difficult choice to make, the standout track is “Freak Power.” The fuzzy riffs that open the song are very Kinks (if “You Really Got Me” was played after downing a case of energy drinks), adding to the band’s eclectic influences. The drums kick in shortly after, building up to the explosion of keys and vocals that help maintain the energy of the song. The lyrics itself are a call-to-action for the Freaks of the world. Be proud of your oddities, and make your voices heard as you march in the street with your fellow Freaks. Like the guitars, the lead vocals, provided by Max Begler, crash into each beat as he roars out his declaration of Freak pride, aiding in creating the Freak revolutionary voice. The distortion makes it seem as though he is shouting through a megaphone at his loyal army. “Freak Power” the kind of anti-establishment-fueled pushback that rock has boasted for decades, that being the song every teen misfit can cling to and project their own struggles onto to feel part of something bigger than themselves. Where was this song when I was in high school?

I might go as far as to say that this could be the theme song for the band.

I really could go on and on about this album,

but I know how music fans get. Who wants someone to tell you about something cool when you could be listening to it?

If this is Sunny Daze & the Weathermen’s way of throwing their hat into the ring, then they’ve got my vote. Sunny Daze & the Weathermen 2028!