Sundara Karma - Ulfilas' Alphabet (A Changing Opinion #1)

Over the course of this blog I have posted several reviews that, with time, I now disagree with. This ranges from simply disagreeing with scores I gave to an album or single to wishing I'd phrased certain comments on the music a different way. It's something where I feel simultaneously frustrated and amused at just how wrong I got it. Opinions change. This is a new segment where I will occasionally re-review albums that I got wrong initially, or albums I want to highlight that I've grown to favour or despise. Without further a do, the first installment has to be an album that actually only came out this March, but it's something that has turned out to have shown its true colours over time.

Speaking of colours, this album is a rather eclectic bunch of songs, something made obvious by the very bright album cover. As a band, Sundara Karma have gone through a range of styles already including their earlier psychedelia to their debut album's very consistent, typical indie rock. When the lead single came out for Ulfilas' Alphabet, I was greeted to a whole new sonic direction, a foundation of piano upon which synthesizers and drum loops built to create a marvelously rich and creative art pop song that made my Year End list for 2018 with ease. This was the start of a Sundara Karma without boundaries but with scope, a theme that was continued throughout the album to very positive outcomes.

Whilst their influences do show, especially in Oscar Pollok's vocal delivery and how it very much mimics that of David Bowie, they manage to stay distinctive and original, never losing hold of what makes the band themselves even as the lyrics contemplate identity and social issues, sounding relevant but not timestamped to the point where they'll ever sound too dated. It's a record that goes for a somewhat futuristic approach to 70s art and glam rock, combining elements of synthpop, britpop and even new rave to heighten each track to become all pretty unique. The craftsmanship and detail is undeniable and there is never a shortage of things to love and admire, as every song has something slightly different to offer; I think this speaks volumes to how much Sundara Karma have evolved from the last album which, despite being a really solid release, just can't compare to the sheer, prevalent experimentation and free nature that I find so captivating on Ulfilas' Alphabet.

Two things that certainly carry over from that first album though are depth and passion, and the band's innate ability to write catchy songs around serious personal and introspective topics is beautifully realised on a song like "The Changeover", the best example of a ballad on the album by far. It succeeds in its juxtaposition of grounded, emotive lyrics with adventurous and cosmic textures that turn this into a rather odd favourite of mine and definitely a song in consideration for my year end list.

All of the singles bring something different to the table and even at their most predictable with "Little Smart Houses", they capture this sense of purpose that is perfectly balanced between youthful energy and a wiser maturity, never losing either their clarity or their fun. This is really what drives their more serious songs and enables them to explore topics of identity, change and confusion through such a unique lens that is Oscar's sharp and witty writing, as he is humorously critical of himself and others. This comes through in spades on both the opener "A Song For My Future Self" and on the title track, two rather explosive songs that delve into cheating, self-expression, doubt and scepticism. There emotions are potent and all the more resonant as 2019 goes on, acting as huge pull factors that increasingly draw me in. My original review stated that this album was a "sanctuary" I "relish" in hearing, but I failed to state why in the review besides complimenting the music for most of the tracks. Half a year later and this really has become a sanctuary, for the bright and exciting instrumentals and even more so for the honest and compelling lyrics and themes.

I don't need to go into every song here, especially when my original review focuses more on the individuals of the album, but I will say this: each and every song holds me so willingly captive and the connections between moments are almost always perfect, it's so nearly immaculate. Even the weakest song here, the formidably bold "Sweet Intentions", only falters because of overambitious instrumentation that suffers due to some poor production choices. All in all it's admirable track, not even a missfire. It may lessen the blow but the impact is not squandered and they still pull through with a perfectly enjoyable track. It just isn't something that bothers me, especially with so many other highlights to enjoy.

I can't deny my thoughts on my original review but I am thrilled to embrace my changed opinion and I'm happy that the first installment of this segment can be with an album I am this positive on now. I have grown to appreciate so much of this album, to the point where I can confidently say that I love Ulfilas' Alphabet and I can award it a very strong 9 out of 10.

Best Songs:
Higher States; Ulfilas' Alphabet; A Song For My Future Self; The Changeover; Duller Days; Illusions; Rainbow Body; Symbols Of Joy & Eternity; One Last Night On This Earth

Worst Songs:
Sweet Intentions

"Ulfilas' Alphabet"

Sundara Karma

01/03/2019

Hope you enjoyed the review, I've got a Top Ten list coming out soon...