We Speak Music
SunSkip Finds Beauty in the In-Between on “Sincerely”
SunSkip, the songwriting project of Sean Maljanian, returns with “Sincerely,” a single that feels quietly confident in its evolution. Where his earlier EP Smoke and Mirrors leaned into restraint and introspection, this new release opens the doors wider, embracing motion, texture, and a gently propulsive alt-country undercurrent. It’s a song that still values intimacy, but now allows itself moments of looseness and joy, signaling an artist comfortable with growth rather than reinvention for its own sake.
At the heart of “Sincerely” lies its narrative: a correspondence between John and Sue that reveals the emotional undercurrents of aging, distance, and enduring connection. Maljanian’s writing is patient and unshowy, allowing the weight of the story to emerge through implication rather than dramatics. There’s a quiet dignity in how the song captures the beauty of the mundane, reminding us that life’s most resonant moments often unfold between the lines.
Musically, the track thrives on experimentation. Guided by producer Kory Burrel, “Sincerely” incorporates unconventional percussive elements—bottles, cardboard boxes, and other found sounds—that inject a sense of unpredictability into the arrangement. The resulting soundscape feels communal and alive, evoking the warmth and chaos of a late-night saloon while never losing sight of the song’s emotional core. Burrel’s multi-instrumental work, alongside Colum Enrique’s drumming, enhances the storytelling rather than distracting from it.
Vocally, Maljanian delivers a performance marked by warmth and restraint, navigating the song’s emotional terrain with clarity and grace. Every layer feels purposeful, building an immersive experience that balances reflection with release. With “Sincerely,” SunSkip reaffirms the power of narrative-driven songwriting, proving that folk-inspired music can be both thoughtful and adventurous. It’s a release that quietly cements Maljanian as a compelling voice within the contemporary indie folk and alt-country landscape.
Songwriters often draw from personal experience, but what makes Just a Daydream stand out is the way AMBER reshapes those experiences through imagination. Instead of presenting events exactly as they happened, she builds scenes that feel colourful, expressive and full of possibility, giving the songs a distinctive identity from the very beginning.
That approach reflects the idea behind the EP’s title. What begins as a passing thought or a hopeful fantasy gradually develops into something more tangible, carrying listeners through romance, longing, disappointment and, ultimately, self-acceptance. The songs remain connected by that thread, making the EP feel like one continuous conversation rather than a collection of separate ideas.
Musically, AMBER blends soul, jazz, funk and pop touches without allowing any one influence to dominate. The lively pulse of “Say What” explores the confusion that can grow from crossed wires, while “Aromatherapy” offers a gentler close, bringing the emotional journey to a place of calm reflection.
Working with producer Kipper Eldridge, AMBER has created a debut that places storytelling at its heart. Every musical choice supports the atmosphere of the songs, allowing the lyrics and performances to take centre stage. Out now through Now Listen, Just a Daydream is more than a collection of well-made tracks. It is an invitation into a creative world where imagination gives everyday emotions a fresh perspective and where even the smallest moments have a story worth telling.
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