Golden Dawn Arkestra
Children of the Sun
(Independent)
3.5/5
This second album from Austin, Texas’ Golden Dawn Arkestra is a slight contrast to their first album, Stargazer—Children of the Sun utilizes more serious afrobeats and sounds more mature than its predecessor. Through its 11 tracks, Children of the Sun steadfastly proclaims that it has arrived.
Picture rays of flowing golden unicorn on ’70s disco bass lines and jive invites. Feel hints of beach-ready movie soundtracks and what appears to be inspiration from the Shins, Empire of the Sun, Barry White, and the Ventures, none of which detract from this album’s listening experience.
The first track, “Wolf,” sets a tone of present day; the next 10 songs water things down to a disco cliché which remains for the rest of the album, while some appropriately overblown trombone crescendos pique the listener’s interest in cascading orchestral schemas; the inclusive bingo-hall, night star sky tones and minor harmonics resolve.
The album is dense like a Christmas cake. A listener who likes that style of complexity will very much like Children of the Sun.