Oh My Sun is the project of singer-songwriter Carmody and guitarist-producer Tal Janes. It initially began in 2022, when the duo were in search of producing something that felt a little more organic; an analogue remedy to post digital lockdown isolation. Writing started in sessions that saw them connect over a love of 70’s music, the environment, grandparents, love and loss, resulting in their debut album, Apocalypse Baby.
A colourful take on modern life, the album sees the duo ponder whether the word apocalypse could be utilised in smaller-scale things than just worldwide disasters. It does come with a sense of dread, but Oh My Sun tackle it head on with a playful sound, and a determination to reconnect to a more organic life that wraps you up in its warmth.
“Oh My Sun reflects a longing for a deeper connection to nature and a return to the ways of ancestral living. It’s a play on the way people use ‘Oh My God’ – which could be in shock, happiness, despair, pleasure or joy – it can be interpreted and used in many ways. Carmody was also pregnant during the writing and recording phase and a lot of the topics lyrically we’re about her future son, so there’s a slight double meaning there with the pronunciation of sun and son too.”
Lead single ‘5 Pieces’ opens the record with a snappy, acoustic groove that immediately sinks into the mind. Carmody’s vocals dance along with the chords, illustrating the turmoil that comes from the closing moments of a relationship. Its tongue-in-cheek nature sees said relationship likened to astrology, highlighting how sometimes it really does feel like the world is ending. Its light-hearted instrumental cuts a strong contrast against its lyrics, and sets a high standard for the rest of the album to follow.
This vibrant start finds itself throughout Apocalypse Baby. ‘After All’ features more of the duo’s dream-like sound as it wanders through the airwaves, seemingly unbothered about the time. ‘Friends in the Clouds’ follows with an even more laid back approach. As if this wander has taken a break for a moment. Carmody’s subdued vocals sink into the passive percussion and slight melodies to really feel like a deep exhale. Its reflective mood leads nicely into single ‘All I Can Do’, which takes all the best parts of 70s music and brings it to the modern day. Palm muted chords, easy going beats and a Fleetwood Mac-esque chorus, all backed against a wistful vibe – this tune has everything you could want. It’s so good.
Apocalypse Baby is a fantastic record. Oh My Sun’s desire to create something grounded and natural has lead to an album that’s full of authenticity, with a sound that’s rich with everything. Gorgeous acoustic instrumentals – aside from the heavier, playful title track, which breaks up the flow in the best way – and superb vocals throughout. It does have a sense of yearning and overall dread towards the state of the world, but Carmody and Tal Janes bring a levity to it that makes it feel okay. I’ve had the album on repeat since it came out, and I don’t think I could grow tired of it. It is excellent, and a definite contender for album of the year.