Review
Full Sun
Thinkin’ About It

Lets Pretend (2019) — Loren

Full Sun – Thinkin’ About It cover artwork
Full Sun – Thinkin’ About It — Lets Pretend, 2019

There are certain musical styles where I struggle as a reviewer to offer you my deep thoughts beyond yay or nay. Power-pop is definitely one of those areas, and that’s the label I’d slap on Full Sun. Thinkin’ About It is a 10-song blast of high energy, upbeat jams.

Over the course of the record, every band member shines. The bass line in “Stick It” carries the song, moving from a rumbling rhythm to funky swagger and back. Then immediately after, the guitar intro to “So Mean” sets a new tone: forceful and driving, but taking some reflective intermissions. “Cmon Baby Why” is a personal favorite, with some nice pop movements and earworm melodies.

As a whole, the melodic vocals give a sunny disposition to the whole Full Sun record (get it?) but what sets the group apart is the songwriting where each instrument overlaps but they also do their own thing. It’s not complementary so much as collaborative, which is unique in the pop world where simple usually means better. Instead of music to pogo to, Thinkin’ About It is shifty with a groove. It has big release choruses and some potent dynamics changes to control the emotional flow, but it has more depth than a simple heartbeat behind each song. The production matches this vibe, letting each member contribute equally yet with a clean,

It’s good stuff.

Yay.

7.7 / 10 — Loren • October 29, 2019

Full Sun – Thinkin’ About It cover artwork
Full Sun – Thinkin’ About It — Lets Pretend, 2019

Recently-posted album reviews

Softjaw

Love Can't Kill You
Bachelor Records, Dandy Boy Records (2026)

I already wrote about these dudes in my mid-year top 5 since Oakland’s Dandy Boy Records released a compilation of their early digital singles back in April, and here they are following it up with a 12-song album of all new material! This second release proves Long Beach’s Softjaw have a masters in powerpop from the school of rock. I’m … Read more

Fontaines D.C.

Dopamine Chamber
XL Recordings (2026)

ALBUM HIGHLIGHTS – “Tongue”, “Where Is Gone?”, “You Miss Me”, “Japan”If you’ve been here from the start, Fontaines D.C. will always conjure up gritty, political poetry and clashing, driving rhythms. Third album Skinty Fia, the defining breakthrough moment and fan favourite, gave them their first number one record in the UK and Ireland in 2022 – but can they improve … Read more

DeeCracks

True Nothing
Pirates Press (2026)

Let’s get crazy and out of control! That’s what the opening line of the album instructs us to do and I’m inclined to listen. I am new to the DeeCRACKS party and I’m not sure how I missed them. Celebrating 20 years in 2023, the band released 20 Years. A Frantic Effort, and I’m sure this newest release fully delivers … Read more