Congrats to Sunspots for a Great Writeup
By ERIC R. DANTON
9:20 p.m. EDT, July 7, 2011
The band formed in 2009 when singer Kevin Scott recruited musicians (by knocking on lesson-room doors in the local music store where he worked) to play in what started as a country-folk act in the style of M. Ward or Dr. Dog. Sunspots has since veered in a poppier direction undercut with subtle experimentation, as documented on the band’s new self-titled debut.
Scott sings in a smooth, polished voice that’s occasionally too refined for rock ’n’ roll (opener “New Century” would benefit from a touch of vocal grit), but he never lacks for expressive tone and he’s a natural at locking into close harmonies with Sargent and bassist Alfredo Grado. Charlie Dye rounds out the lineup with low-key versatility on the drums.
Together, they’re off to a promising start on “Sunspots,” a welcome addition to what’s beginning to look like a long-overdue rock resurgence in Hartford.
Sunspots plays a CD-release show with Little Ugly Saturday at Sully’s Pub, 2071 Park St., Hartford. Doors open at 8 p.m.; there’s a $5 cover. Information: 860-231-8881.
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