SHARDS OF GOD - Sun Dial (Acme Records)
Gary Ramon, the main instigator behind the UK band Sun Dial, is a freaking genius. The breadth of music that he has created the past seventeen years is timeless. Over the course of six album releases, Ramon has maintained an intensely personal vision of rock and roll: loud, well crafted songwriting and skillfully played psychedelia. As a result, the current musical landscape has been a better place due to his presence.
As for band history, being more than sheer revivalists, Sun Dial is one of those bands from the early 90's that were signed by a major label (in this case, Beggars Banquet) but did not fit into any of their marketing plans. Despite frustrations with record labels in their 17-year plus history, the band has persevered and continued to create vital and thrilling music in that time. On a hilarious note, I can envision some clueless promotional executive from that time period asking the rhetorical question: Does the band have more in common with the Manchester or Seattle sound?
As for the this collection of songs, "Shards of God" is a self released CD that serves as a retrospective of the band's many talents. Overall, "Shards of God" evokes a feeling that is similiar to The Soundtrack of Our Lives "A Present From The Past" release from 2006, in that the songs are a combination of old material as well as previously unissued, and when joined together the culmulatitive effect is amazing. The song tracks just blend together creating an entire new album - listening experience.
Leading off the album is the incredible "Exploding in Your Mind" from the band's debut album "Other Way Out" (Acme, 1990). The song displays an amazing aptitude of this band. Heavy riffing, catchy vocals and a memorable signature sound rooted in Carnaby Street, London circa 1967. The second track follows, "Ghost Machine", and the unissued single mix is a real gem. On this track, Ramon and his appreciation for the Stooges becomes very apparent. Heavy riffing, complete with enough fuzz -wah wah to make even Ron Asheton turn blue in the face, drives the song. The song is unique in that you want to play it over and over again - it's so good.
On the third song, "Open Your Eyes" from the 1997 album "Zen For Sale", the band includes organ into their sound to add further depth. Ramon's vocals really shine on this song. Besides bing a very talented guitarist, avid record collector - student of 60's rock, Ramon is a great vocalist who is smooth in his delivery of the lyrics. In particular, three songs on this collection ("Roller coaster", "Bad Drug", and "Nova") are taken from the band's 1995 release "Acid Yantra". The album, in my opinion, is one of the most underrated albums of the prior decade and well worth tracking down. One of the other highlights of "Shards of God" is the monster song "Fairground". The flute arrangement, when paired with Ramons' wah wah, is incredible to hear.
Any fan of rock and roll really owes to themselves, if they haven't already done so, to check out the discography of Sun Dial. If you missed the opportunity to hear the band, then purchase "Shards of God" then work backwards through the band's catalogue. Above all, Sun Dial is deserving of your attention. - Arthur S
