Source: Album Artwork
This female fronted alternative rock band from Ontario are simply one of a kind. Their style is totally untamed and never stays in one place, or even one genre, for more than a verse. What Sumo Cyco have created is an incessant rollercoaster of punk, hard rock and metal. Their album Lost in Cyco City is aptly named, get ready to get lost in the provocatively unusual world this Canadian four-piece have created.
It’s clear that every song is made with a killer crowd experience and they will never be a band to sit still to. With tracks like ‘Fighter’, a confident in-your-face anthem, and ‘Cry Murder’, with its drilling and intense grimy beat, you know the crowd will be carnage. The bands dips from down low and seductive to thrashing intensity in a matter of seconds.
And yet they have a softer and more lyrical side made even better by the inviting vocals provided by Sever (stage name for vocalist Skye Sweetnam) that can instantly switch to gruff and angsty to smooth and stirring. The album is littered with sweet riffs and sing-back worthy hooks from songs like ‘Fuel My Fire’ – “Come fuel my fire” – and ‘Like a Killer’ – “I’ve been on a run like a killer”. The tamest song on the album is ‘Brave’ which employs eloquent and poignant lyrics to tackle the heavier subject of mental health.
With creative and atmospheric intros, feral structures and a self-assured quirky sound it’s fair to say that Sumo Cyco are a band you won’t forget in a hurry. The album itself, however, does become rather repetitive after a few songs as the vibe of each track becomes quite similar. Nevertheless, Lost in Cyco City is so beautifully unusual and sexy that you’ll want to listen to it just one more time. A downright awesome listen.
