Pop-Punk is here to stay with the help of Long Island’s From States Away. Since 2015, the band has put out multiple singles and EPs showcasing their upbeat energy and finger-pointing sound. Now, with their long-awaited debut album–Sun in My Eyes–the band continues to create a sound reminiscent of nostalgic Warped Tour-era bands with enough experimentation to keep you on your toes.
Sun in My Eyes is a cautionary tale about getting too close to something that one has made the center of your orbit. The album slightly plays on the story of Icarus. The risk of flying too close to the sun provides a comforting warmth but can ultimately leave you burned and without wings. Despite this, the band believes that one’s wings can always regrow and let you soar higher than before. It’s a dreamlike fable and scenario, and, aptly, the opening track, “These Things You Said” serves as a dreamy and mellow introduction to the album before kicking in with the classic pop-punk sound of “Bypass.”
As with “Bypass,” the succeeding tracks “Snakes” and “Further Than Before” continue with the band’s tried-and-true pop-punk sound and contain classic themes with lyrics such as, “Your tongue wasn’t made for telling me the truth, but I still keep crawling back to you” and “Your hands feel so cold when you sit next to me.” The track “Hair” follows, and while it still keeps with the pop-punk sound, it might be a little too mellow and sad to finger-point to–consider the lyric, “We both said some things we can’t take back”–it still contains enough energy to get the crowd moving.
The three tracks that follow are an experimentation of sound and a departure from the expected and provide a variety of sounds that may appeal to the many music tastes of fans. The title track, “Sun in My Eyes,” is reminiscent of the band Balance & Composure, especially of their album “Separation” and the “Only Boundaries” EP. By combining such a sound with pop-punk elements, the band expresses how one can see much clearer without the sun in their eyes. “It’s Been a Year” is a brief and mellow track with hip-hop influences that serves as the perfect catch-your-breath-moment before the completely unexpected next track. For the fans of hardcore, “Valleys” is sure to be a favorite. The track reflects and conveys the anger that comes with the realization that what you held in the center of your orbit was no good for you. Complete with heavy riffs, aggressive vocals, and a breakdown, if the other songs did not make you want to move, “Valleys” definitely will.
The Balance & Composure sound comes back with “Kaleidoscope,” along with aspects reminiscent of early A Day To Remember (namely the “What Separates Me From You” and “Common Courtesy” eras). As the album reaches a close, the songs and message become more hopeful, and positive and return to the roots of pop-punk. “Held Me Down” is an upbeat ode to everyone who has shown their support and who has “been through the mud.” “Icarus” reiterates the message that sometimes you have to fly too close to the sun to realize your value: “Burned some strength in both of my hands.” “I Know It Felt the Same to You” starts with the mellowness that the album began with, then, halfway through, kicks in with the high-energy pop-punk sound that we all know before fading out into silence. By the album’s end, there has been a full circle moment, and the message that wings can regrow and let you soar higher has been instilled in listeners once again. With its inspiring message, and a variety of musical influences, while maintaining the integrity of pop-punk, and high energy, “Sun in My Eyes” is a top contender for album of the Summer.
The band is playing a sold-out album release show on July 22nd at Pianos NYC. If you’ve missed out on tickets, don’t worry. With the traction and passion this band possesses, it is safe to say that there will be plenty more to come soon.
