Passing with flying colours
Underdog Fanzine review the new R.C. Sullivan album ‘Mushroom Clouds’
On MUSHROOM CLOUDS, R.C. Sullivan head in a more melodic direction—without shedding the raw edge typical of punk rock—consistently evolving their signature sound and leaning further into skate punk. Melodic, sharp-edged tracks featuring catchy guitar work, driving rhythms, and just the right amount of grit ensure that the result never feels too polished or safe. Beneath the hooks and high-tempo punk rock lie lyrics about disappointments, everyday struggles, and the attempt to navigate a world that doesn’t always make much sense.
In fact, the album sounds significantly more melodic than previous releases. This evolution was already apparent on their last EP, which saw R.C. Sullivan moving further away from their hardcore roots. It comes as no surprise that the musicians draw upon their own musical upbringing; as children of the 90s, they grew up on melodic punk rock and skate punk—complete with the consistently high tempo required for high-risk tricks on a skateboard. These influences are clearly audible on MUSHROOM CLOUDS, yet they aren’t merely reproduced out of nostalgia. Instead, R.C. Sullivan blend catchy melodies with an edgy attitude and a strong, forward-driving momentum. A change in vocalists a few years back also helped spark this musical shift. The result is an album that carves out its own space, balancing melodic accessibility with raw punk-rock energy. This works especially well when the melodies, harmonic vocals, and gritty guitar work converge—featuring barre chords, brief solos, and a direct, full-throttle approach. Just as an ollie might be followed by a tre-flip (360 flip), R.C. Sullivan pull it all off with flying colours.
You can grab your copy of R.C. Sullivan’s ‘Mushroom Clouds’ album now via Shield Recordings (NL), Engineer Records (UK), High End Denim Records (CAN) or Scene Police Records (GER). It comes packed in a beautiful gatefold sleeve on yellow vinyl with red and black swirls.
Comments