Sunny War. Armageddon in a Summer Dress. If you take those words apart, there is a clear and intentional dichotomy, and War’s latest album hits those same notes. Some of the songs appear upbeat and positive, while at the same time, the lyrics are searing and poignant on wealth inequality, the health care system and life's other challenges.
Usually a solo or trio artist, Sunny War focused on writing her seventh album, Armageddon in a Summer Dress, for a five-piece band. She worked with producer Andrija Tokic — who has worked with artists such as the Alabama Shakes, Margo Price and Melissa Carper — for the second time. He also produced her sixth album, Anarchist Gospel.
The album starts with a mostly one-note, ripping, bouncing number, "One Way Train," that gets the blood pumping right off the bat. The next song, "Bad Times" begins with almost an '80s yacht rock sound into a choral progression, contrasting with lyrics like, "I’ve got no money so I’ve got no power / Back pain and rotting teeth / Written off as working class grief / So long basic health / To all the things that come with wealth."
The album features multiple guests linking War's LA punk roots to what she's doing artistically today. Alongside Valerie June and Tre Burt are famed anarchist punk Steve Ignorant (Crass) and LA punk legend John Doe (X).
Ignorant, who has been a big influence on War’s life and music journey, joins on one of the most pointed songs. "Walking Contradiction" has lyrics like "All the food we buy grows in the dirt / but we can’t grow our own ‘cause we’ve gotta go to work / and the rent is due every 30 days / and you won’t have nothing once your bills all paid."
"Ghosts" is one of the songs on this release that could also easily fit on Anarchist Gospel with War's signature eerie take on folk music. It's also one of the songs that instigated writing this album after she started hallucinating in her late father's house due to a gas leak (not to worry, when the gas leak was fixed, the hallucinations ceased).
Though this version of her with a full band is new, you wouldn't know it. The songs and messaging throughout the album are well-written and clear with the band fully embracing War's musical MO. Armageddon in a Summer Dress is Sunny War riding high.
Must listens
- "One Way Train"
- "Bad Times"
- "Ghost"
- "Walking Contradiction"
- "Cry Baby (ft. Valerie June)"
"Debbie Downer"
