Sundressed - Home Remedy (2020)

Arizona pop-punk group Sundressed have released their second LP, Home Remedy, through Rude Records.

Sundressed is due for a breakout. They’ve grinded through tours all across the nation for the last 5 years and gone through countless lineup changes. Now that they’ve settled on more permanent members, Vic Chan on drums, AJ Peacox on guitar, do they have what it takes to make a splash in the pop-punk scene and beyond?

Home Remedy is a collection of deeply heartfelt, honest truths from vocalist/lyricist Trevor Hedges. Guitarist, AJ Peacox, took the reins on writing lead guitar and provided Home Remedy with the ‘umph’ it needed to make this album something special. The guitar distortions add some spice to their usual repertoire and kill any notions of this being a more sugary pop-punk release compared to their discography. Don’t get me wrong! There is still plenty of the usual Sundressed flair here to love with their hooks, melodies and swift tempo shifts, but it’s nice to see them with a more robust sound. Hedges lets himself breathe throughout the record. There’s an added grit to his voice that punctuates authenticity, rather than pushing himself too hard because he can. “Explode! (Into Pieces)” features the band at its finest. The driving melodic verses compliment the anthemic chorus that’s irresistible to sing along to. It gives you just enough for excellent replay value. Peacox keeps it simple on “No Thanks” and gives this brisk track a noteworthy outro with a sublime focus on Hedges lyrics. The bulk of the album is a balancing act between peppy up-tempo rhythms and moodier lyricism. Some tracks lean heavier on their weightier sound with “Is This A Drug, The Facts,” but snap out of it with “Oh Please, Your Frequency.” The polished production from Mike Pepe is superb in bringing out the best in everyone involved. While admittedly, their more serious approach and shift away from the lighter tone might alienate some longtime fans, I’ve found the record grows on me with each listen. The hooks are still as present as they ever were and I’m glad to see them branching out their work. The timing of this record will suit the autumn weather well.

Sundressed has found a skin they feel comfortable in and the results are a more cohesive, mature and moving record in Home Remedy.