Sunflower Thieves return with a quick follow up to last month’s “How Was America” with “Driving Lessons”. The new single provides further insight of their dabble into new sounds, as well as a strong dose of relatability as they tackle the wonderful worlds of anxiety, learning to drive and therapy. Three things I myself have gone through, and I’d do anything to not go through lessons again. Has anyone parallel parked after they’ve passed their test? And why don’t instructors turn on the AC?? It’s madness.
“Driving Lessons was written after Lily’s first therapy session, sparked by the old “how was your childhood” question. It felt like such an enormous question, which doesn’t really cross your mind until you’re in this situation. The song is about driving lessons, but more widely about the anxieties of growing up, and wanting to block out the scary stuff forever.”
As we heard on “How Was America”, the Leeds duo are moving into a more electronic sound. Where the folksy vocal harmonies remain, they’re backed by instrumentals that have a slight warmth of acoustic strings, but mainly a glitchy, industrial style that harnesses the power of echoes. The minimalist verses allow the vocals to be heard, and with lyrics detailing the uneasiness that comes with navigating anxiety, they really stand out as honest words that are easy to connect to. I love the line about therapy being a good way to get out the house – I myself relate to my sessions as a needed boost to the social life.
The addition of synthesiser and vocoder adds extra dimensions and textures to the song. Allowing it to flow so freely, as if coming at you from all angles. There’s almost a playful nature to the beat made by the synths, as it seems to swirl and follow the words with a supportive skip in its step.
With the new EP Same Blood coming soon, Sunflower Thieves have dropped two great reasons why you should be excited for it. “Driving Lessons” is a superb song, one that really highlights how convoluted and creative the duo can get with this new sound. I cannot wait to hear more.