Darkness and Rainbows
Suburban Key Party is a Va Beach band who’s fourth album “Darkness and Rainbows” is a combination of the layered guitar work of guitarist/singer Tom Southern and his sophisticated, original songs. SBK is his project though and through and showcases a thoughtful, yet fiery presence.
Southern says the songs represent “a journey taken where the protagonist, with the best of intentions, often gets in his own way but makes peace with the trip.”
The album was recorded with help from co-producer Chris Kendrick at Whiskey Bear studio and with additional bass work from Patrick Myers. It is an impressive recording with Southern’s earnestly catchy songs and his intricate guitar playing.
A rock and roll album from start to finish, Suburban Key Party’s “Darkness and Rainbows” varies the tone and tempo of each song but never strays from the illusion that this is the work of a full, well-heeled band. That fact that it’s mostly one musician makes it that much more astounding.
SUBURBAN KEY PARTY is a four piece band that hails from Virginia Beach, VA. They are an alternative rock band that , definitely, has a favor of its own. The band members are: TOM SOUTHERN-Vocals; DAVID HUNTER-Guitar; PATRICK MYERS-Bass and MATT WATTS-Drums.
This 10 CD was Mixed and Mastered by Chris Kendrick and it was Produced by Chris Kendrick and Tom Southern. This album was named in the 2023 Veer Awards as 'Indie Pop Band of the Year.
FOUND YOU OUT kicks off this CD with a very tasteful song that has a bit of an 80's feel. Their melody is sweet as the guitar and drums stand out on their own. The vocals are quite a treat, too.
SEVEN BILLION PEOPLE has a sweet acoustic sound and the vocals sound a lot like Ray Davies at the beginning. The melody is bound to grow on you. You have to check this song for yourself.
SOMEBODY ELSE reminds a bit of My Sweet Lord during the intro with the same beat and rhythm. The vocals are great as the band mellows as a bit and then they kick it in hard.
TRADING GLANCES is a great rock sound and you're bound to love. The song is straight forward rock and rock with an excellent melody. I must admit, this song is quite catchy and will get into your head and will stay there for quite sometime. Could this be ther Top 10 song? I wonder!
SAVE THE DATE is quite mellow and brings this CD to an end . I must admit, this is band t watch out for in the near future. I want to give a BIG THANK YOU to TOM SOUTHERN for being in touch with me. You can find the band at: Facebook, You Tube, Apple Music, Spotify, Deezer, Apple Music, Pandora and iHeart. Check them out. ROCK ON!!!
The Chase
Suburban Key Party is a band from Va Beach who have just released their 5th album “The Chase.” The band is known for layering their instruments into a big sounding mix and on the new album they’ve added a second guitar to make it even more intricate. It’s great rock and roll with a high production quality, rarely heard on a local recording.
Tom Southern is the lead singer, guitarist and songwriter in the band and he’s working with Chris Kendrick as his co-producer and guitarist. Patrick Myers and Bob Morehead round out the band as rhythm section. The nine high octane original love songs shimmer with emotional release.
Southern’s understated vocals float above the mix, putting the emphasis on the instrumentation and letting the lyrics make themselves known in their own time.
“The Chase” is an album that comes out blazing and rarely lets up. Each song began as an acoustic track with layers of different sounds and harmonies added in highly creative ways. Suburban Key Party, like their name suggests, have given us an unpredictable thrill ride of an album.
Paul Shugrue - August 2020