Sluka – “Sunset Screamer” [Song Review]

San Diego-based progressive/alternative rock project Sluka recently released their new single, “Sunset Screamer,” a track from their forthcoming album, Cautionary Yell.

Released on April 30th (the anniversary of Hitler’s suicide, a date most of the world erroneously thought would be the end of fascism), “Sunset Screamer” reflects the political polarization of people not only in the U.S. but throughout the world.

The video for “Sunset Screamer” was unveiled on May 8, the anniversary of the end of WWII in Europe. Musicians on the song include Anna Eppink (bass), Michael Bedard (drums), Christopher Sluka (vocals, piano, synths, composer), Nico Hueso (violin, viola), and Erdis Maxhelaku (cello).

Christopher is a modern-day Renaissance man: singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, entrepreneur, label owner, and pilot. Extremely popular in Japan and Europe, in 2021, Sluka released their 13th album.

Sluka, photo courtesy of Sluka

Opening on classical strings, “Sunset Screamers” rolls into a driving rhythm topped by a retro-flavored, fluctuating melody vaguely reminiscent of Queen. Sluka’s evocative vocals conjure up suggestions of David Bowie on the verses, followed by taking on a dreamy melodicism on the rhapsodic bridge.

At once almost whimsical yet ominously assertive, “Sunset Screamer” fuses elements of prog-rock and avant-pop into a gem of a song.

Psst… check out our review of Sluka’s single “Saving It All.” 

Run Time: 2:58
Release Date: April 30, 2024
Record Label: Steel Flower Music