Trans-Genre Music for the cultured ear
Sun-Pinned Leaves return to Dublin Castle 31/3/2023
Sun-Pinned Leaves have been a staple on Unknown Sounds since the beginning so when they announced their first gig in over a year, I knew where I would be on 31 March. I could not wait to hear them perform their original songs in their unique style covering various genres including Americana, alt-folk, country, blues, pop with a fabulous crooner touch.
The Dublin Castle, not only is it the birthplace of Madness, it has hosted bands such as Blur, Coldplay, Supergrass, The Killers, The Arctic Monkeys and Billy Bragg.
With five Sun-Pinned Leaves albums under their belts in just three years, they had plenty of material to choose from, I was hoping for a few of my favourites and they certainly did not let me down. The first song, “Pensacola’s Calling” from their Rock ‘N’ Road album, is an upbeat tale of sun and fun, complete with American slang and a beat & guitar solo that gets you up dancing.
“Bodie” is up next, from their latest album “Altered States”, a collection of tunes celebrating landmarks of American history from the Pilgrim Fathers to 20th century events that still resonate today - including their next tune “After the Big One” about a survivor of the 1906 earthquake in San Francisco- a personal favourite of mine.
Then they declare their love for Arizona’s beautiful town with “Sweet Sedona” from Rock ‘N’ Road. A simple, beautiful song about wanting to return home, in this case to the most beautiful Sedona.
Next, they played their tune in honour of John Denver, “Monterey Bay” from their album Eclipse. When I was in Monterey, I remember looking out on the bay listening to this song… it transported me to a place I’d never been but one I will never forget.
Next was “Summer of Love” from Altered States. A beautiful song about that famous summer, peppered with allusions to historical events that changed the world, but also a plea to get back to those values of peace and love.
They finished their set with “Nothing Better Than Rain” from the excellent Altered States. It’s a song about the warm winds of El Niño, expanded to include climate change. Yes, it makes you think, but it also makes you dance and sing. The beat and rhythm are good old rock and roll, fantastic!
I love Sun-Pinned Leaves and I loved their performance. Their musical talents and love of music were on full display. With knowing glances and smiles, Chris and Neil’s on-stage presence spotlighted their long, creative relationship. They were a pleasure to watch and listen to.
Pete Saxer - Unknown Sounds - 1 April 2023
Edited by Jopov Management
ANOTHER SONGWRITING AWARDS ACHIEVEMENT
Sun-Pinned Leaves made the Finals of Blues and Roots Radio International Song Contest 2022 with ‘Monterey Bay’. Blues & Roots Radio is ISSA International Radio Station of the Year 2021 broadcasting shows from Canada, US, UK, Australia, Ireland and beyond. We are over the moon!
ALTERED STATES #2 in EATEN ALIVE MAGAZINE TOP ALBUMS OF 2022
It's always an honour to appear in awards and chart-listings with legends such as The Damned, Ruts DC, Anthrax, The Godfathers, UK Subs, Hugh Cornwell, Cockney Rejects, Buzzcocks and Spear of Destiny. To appear at number two in a top fifty with these guys is truly head-spinning.
Thank You Eaten Alive!
BODIE HITS TOP TEN IN MUSEBOAT LIVE'S 2022 GALA CHART
Brilliant Jewel at 56 in the
Official World Indie Music Charts
Brilliant Jewel - the second single from the band's fifth album - Altered States has climbed to 56 in the Official World Indie Music Charts in December 2022.
This chart is powered by Digital Radio Tracker and is comprised of hundreds of radio stations around the world, from Melbourne to Madrid, from Moscow to Maine and from Toronto to Toledo. Each week all artist spins are collected and tabulated to compile the Top 100 World Indie Music Charts showcasing some of the world's best indie artists.
A big "thank you" to the stations and listeners all around our Brilliant Jewel in the black velvet sky.
UK Country Radio
Album of the Week (16 08 2022)
UK CountryRadio.com has selected Sun-Pinned Leaves' 5th album "Altered States" as its album of the week so listeners can experience tracks all week starting with Allan Watkiss on air from 10am.
THANK YOU UK COUNTRY RADIO!
Previous Shows
New Music Night - Reigate, Surrey
Dublin Castle - Camden Town - London
Rock 4 Remembrance Festival (Ashford, Kent)
February 1st 2022
October 29th 2021
November 6th 2021