The Sunmills – Bird That Used To Sing (2026)
While The Sunmills discography leans back to 2018 with ‘Jumpsuit’ -at least, according to Spotify – we came across the swaggering, groove-laden originality of the trio earlier this year, enticing us to get out the air guitar and sing like we’re rockstars… well, it didn’t just entice; it actually occurred. Known for their heart, zeal, and captivating rock-powered charm, seasoned musicians Kyle McCann (bass guitar), Jim Brown (vocals and guitar), and Porter Chapmen (drums) left us smiling with ‘They Tell Lies’. Today, they come across our virtual desk once again with ‘Bird That Used To Sing’.
Following ‘The World Lights Up For You’, ‘Bird That Used To Sing’ hits you with a wonderful alternative rock sound. The bold bass runs along the melody, while the drums don’t necessarily crash but keep a bold beat in the melody – each instrument standing out and acting like an anchor in the track. The soaring guitars insert a rock music flair with crisp riffs within a harmonic soundscape. One instrument that gives ‘Bird That Used To Sing’ a little obscurity is Jed Jones’ organ slipping in and out with a kaleidoscopic shimmer.
Produced by Jones, with mixing by Scott Wiley and mastering by Pete Lyman, ‘Bird That Used To Sing’ is sophisticated and polished. Yet, within the maturity, a vulnerable fragility lingers. Moreover, the fragility is enhanced by weighty themes and lyricism. The Sunmills explain:
“There is a particular kind of clarity that comes when everything has gone completely to hell. Ride-or-die is a great way to start a romance, but what do you do when they ride off without you? The grand visions of the future have ended. They are sleeping somewhere else. You are left behind on the couch, with a drink, too much time, and the slow realisation that whatever magnificent thing you once had has somehow burned itself to the ground… That’s when memory gets dangerous… You remember how alive it felt… but the past is gone.”
In addition to the single, The Sunmills released an official music video for ‘Bird That Used To Sing’. You can view the video below and/or on their YouTube channel.
Find out more about The Sunmills on their official website, Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, SoundCloud and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
Listen to more alternative rock music on The Other Side Reviews Alternative Rock playlist:
