Say Sue Me – ‘Time Is Not Yours’ EP review: A sun-kissed dose of indie pop
THE SKINNY: I’ll never be one of those music writers who curse the use of various aspects of technology when making art (except AI). When people use synths and embrace electronic music, they can tap into sounds and dynamics which are incredibly exciting. However, in the face of so much technological advancement within music, we often forget just how powerful guitar, drums and bass on their own can be, and that’s why it’s good that we have indie records like Say Sue Me’s new Time Is Not Yours to remind us.
Simply put, this EP is a great example of the power of good guitar music. There is one distinctive vibe throughout the whole thing, and if you closed your eyes when listening, it would be difficult to pick out when one song ends and another begins; however, multiple different forms of guitar technique are on display here as the album waxes and wanes to its own unique whims.
This EP flaunts various playing styles, from regular indie pop to shoegaze, western-emo, surf rock, and classic rock. It’s a masterclass in the guitar and how you can still use many playing styles but create something unique and identifiable. Say Sue Me has managed to etch out a sound that is their own fingerprint but borrows from various corners of music when creating it. It shows great knowledge as musicians and even greater innovation as creatives.
These five songs pass by way too quickly and leave you hungry for more, but until then, just sit back and enjoy the excellent listen that is Time Is Not Yours. It’s a beautiful slice of summer that seamlessly makes the world feel that little bit easier.
For fans of: Good guitar music, get your fill of riffs here!
A concluding comment from Slash: “Damn, even I couldn’t conjure some of these up.”
Time Is Not Yours track by track:
Release: April 30th | Label: Damnably | Producer: Say Sue Me
‘Time Is Not Yours’: A fun indie pop guitar line kicks off this dreamy EP. The vocals are incredibly sweet-sounding and fluid. The whole song doesn’t let up, as the catchiness and sun-kissed feel throughout dominate every single second. [4/5]
‘Vacation’: The opening guitar line on this track, made up of power chords, sliding guitar, and classic rock style licks, creates an undeniable welcoming atmosphere that, as a listener, you’re more than happy to nestle into. The high and low vocals provide wonderful harmonies, and it’s hard not to get swept up in how fun and energetic this track is. [4.5/5]
‘In This Mess’: A running guitar line, which with different effects could have been taken out of a more indie tune, ushers in the song ‘In This Mess’, while pulsating bass dances sporadically behind it. This runs throughout most of the song and dominates a large majority of it. The vocals are present but take more of a backseat as that guitar line, alongside sporadic solos, are the stars of this one. [4/5]
‘Mexico’: A simple 4/4 drum pattern and atmospheric, bordering on shoegaze-like guitar create a cinematic backdrop you can nestle into on ‘Mexico’. The instrumental track also borrows guitar lines that feel akin to what guitarists were playing in surf rock, with whammy bars and vibrato effects that create a beach-like sound. [5/5]
‘Bone Pink’: Stunning. A chilled and cloudlike song to finish on. It feels like a beautiful way to end the EP, as this layered and atmospheric song invokes feelings of peace and serenity. [4.5/5]
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