Summer Salt - Sequoia Moon
by: Zachary Marshall
Rock duo Summer Salt debuted their new album, Sequoia Moon, on June 25th. The Austin-based band consists of drummer Eugene Chung and singer/guitarist Matthew Terry. The pair met in high school and began to play small venues across the Dallas area. In the early 2010s, the combo moved to Austin and quickly became established in the music scene by releasing a healthy diet of EP’s including Driving to Hawaii, Going Native, and So Polite. Summer Salt fans have had a steady flow of music to rock out to in the past few years, including 2018's Happy Camper, Honeyweed in 2019, and Avenue G in 2020. Summer Salt even boasts over a million monthly listeners on Spotify. The duo is currently on tour still with a 2021 tour that stopped in Madison on Oct 8th.
left: singer/guitarist Matthew Terry, right: drummer Eugene Chung. Image via Bandcamp
I found the album genuinely enjoyable. There were multiple times I found myself entranced by the rhythm of Eugene Chung on the drums. At the same time, Matthew Terry’s guitar patterns lull you into a daydream. The tuneful combination of guitar and drums creates an enjoyable rhythm to get lost in. The jazzy elements of Sequoia Moon provide a more peppy attitude, such as on “Monday’s Facil" and "Hocus Pocus”. In “Lewa Lani” and “Patch Your Jacket”, there are more slow, captivating guitar chord riffs. Another notable aspect of the album is the transition from "Feather Fall" to "Trouble in Paradise". From slow guitar ballads to the upbeat crash of drums, there's something for everyone on this album.
Some interesting themes of transition and growth are displayed on this album. "Clover" imagines an old friend you used to be close with named Clover. “And now with all the friends/
That up and left/ There's no one loyal like that girl/ Kickin' it with my best friend”.In a world where not everyone may be on your side, it's nice to have a dependable rock in your life. "Hocus Pocus" focuses on past amends that should have been made. “Call me the reason there's a lock on your door/I don't seem to care/ About the guilt lent”. Although it can be uncomfortable leaving what is familiar to you and the memories associated with it, Summer Salt keeps you afloat with their bossanova beach tunes.
The album was made for looking back on memories of the past. While listening, I found myself reminiscing over the past as well. I think the light guitar chords and drum beats make it seem like you are taking a deep breath and calmly reminiscing about memories. It's a cheery album that might bring back some memories if you listen close enough. The second half of the album is less impressionable than the first half though. However, I can admit to adding a handful of songs to my playlists and I am excited to see what they do next.