Album Premiere: Bigger Better Sun — ‘Comfort Foods’

Posted: by The Editor

In the pre-internet age, music scenes used to have a distinct sound. This became less true as time went on and geographic location became less important, but somehow Long Island has always been immune from that trend. State Lines formed out of that Long Island punk tradition some time ago and became somewhat of an underground legend in the emo revival world, and in that world Haverford was perhaps the Taking Back Sunday to State Line’s Movielife? Their record Alaskan Summer is still a must listen. But as that scene fizzled out and Jade from State Lines went on to Oso Oso, the members of Haverford as well began working on their next move.

Guitarist, Billy Mannino went into production and ended up recording and mixing Oso Oso’s most recent album, the yunahon mixtape, and released it on his own Seal Mountain Records label, (which is named after a track from a Haverford/State Lines split) before Oso were signed by Triple Crown, but all of Haverford wanted to continue making music. Connor Ramert (vocals) and Anthony Stano (bass) got back together with Billy and began to work on their next project which formed Bigger Better Sun.

Comfort Foods, the album they are about to release on Seal Mountain on April 19th is a gem. In fact, this album was so good you had to hear at least a few tracks as soon as possible. So we pulled some strings for ya, and we are premiering 3 singles below along with Kayla’s review of the record. Between this and the next Oso Oso album we are in for a good year.

Take a listen below and get hype for next Friday and the full LP.


Sonically harkening back to the sound that composed the soundtrack to American Pie, Comfort Foods is the kind of unbridled pop with hints of punk record that I instantly fall for. Shedding the sounds of Haverford and re-emerging as Bigger Better Sun, these Long Island natives didn’t try to be something they’re not. Their charming debut Comfort Foods, is explorative and swirling, adorned with splashes of 2000’s indie rock that permeate through the entirety of the album. For instance, “Big Idea” questions religion and closer “About Patterns” looks at how impactful family can be, but the breeziness of these songs keeps them tethered and prevents the album from ever feeling disjointed.

Ever feel as if you’re missing out on something great? Energetic-turned-slow jam “Can Any Tower Hear Me” just might be your new anthem. Trapped in the cul-de-sac blues of a day to day dull, this track still heads in with bright eyes wide open, with playful percussion allowing the track to soar to new nights. “2k” treads similar territory, a lo-fi jam for a perfect day—in contrast to carrying the weight of the present around.

Nearly every moment of Comfort Foods is catchy, and once I memorize “Okay Ok,” it’s over for y’all. I love a paced jam about love, and this is it. Definitely a song that makes you think “Imagine this one live,” perfectly capturing a specific energy that’s begging to be instantly replayed. Adorable follow-up track “Sister Dogs” is right on its heels with a rhythmic, falsetto glory all its own. A good amount of this record includes upper register vocals, harmonies, and isolated hooks. “Different Directions” expertly uses all three, which more dudes in music you should do. There’s a really nice moment in “Lucky Number” where falsetto steals the show, bringing every touch of the song together.

There’s something to be said about the bravery and drive it must take to come back after a years-long break from the music world. Few bands achieve it, possibly because life just gets in the way. I see Comfort Foods as a record exploring that experience while also being at odds with it. It’s a familiar feeling, but Bigger Better Sun find a new angle from which to embrace it, creating one of the years best debuts in the process.

Disappointing / Average / Good / Great / Phenomenal


Follow Bigger Better Sun on Social Media:
Twitter – Bandcamp

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Kayla Carmichael | @kaylacarmicheal


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