Sunflower Bean - “In Flight"

SXSW 2023 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 9

Pairs Well With…Courtney Barnett, Cherry Glazerr, Speedy Ortiz

My second set with Sunflower Bean at a SXSW happened last year as they previewed tracks from the 2022 record Headful of Sugar, leaning into alt-rock influences as much as their earliest material and still keeping pop tightness in mind. The NYC-based trio balance dream pop and heavier rock anchors on Headful of Sugar, finding a sweet spot that is catchy, warm, and a little dense throughout the highlight record. They’ve been an exciting band to follow over the course of several records as Sunflower Bean continue to evolve, not necessarily off their limbs, but more so by getting more accessible and together heading into their eighth year since 2015 debut EP Show Me Your Seven Secrets. (Kevin McStravick)

2022 Review: After catching Sunflower Bean at SXSW 2018 in support of sophomore record Twentytwo in Blue, the band’s diverse dynamics have continued to stand out while digging into their subsequent releases. They’ve since released 2019 EP King Of The Dudes, a collection of power pop both energized and softly played out, alt-rock hooks giving each song memorable and sunny moments to anchor their charming sounds. Recent singles “Moment In The Sun” and “Baby Don’t Cry” lean into Sunflower Bean’s synth-rock side, transitioning 80s melodies into contemporary, bedroom-rock keyboard territory.