Solar Powered Sun Destroyer Review

Tonight’s Appleseed Cast performance at DC9 was prefaced with an fabulous surprise. Local openers “Solar Powered Sun Destroyer” put on a truly epic live show. A five piece, they play a brand of melodic hardcore that draws equal amounts from Brian Eno and Isis. They don’t sound a whole lot like most DC hardcore bands that have existed thus far, which certainly isn’t a bad thing. Their sound veers into emo territory but is vicious and crushing quite often and never whiny. Overall they would fit well on a bill alongside other “post-metal” bands such as Pelican and Cult of Luna, but they certainly also fit well alongside The Appleseed Cast.

They opened their set with “The Unity of Those Unseen” which makes good use of momentary dissonance mixed with harmony. The highlight by far was “Intromission,” a haunting instrumental that is very intricate yet powerful. All throughout their set SPSD used sound clips from the movie “Sunshine” which actually is about a team of astronauts sent to save the sun. The movie’s soundtrack and the band’s general aesthetic are oddly compatible and the clips added a really cool level of continuity between songs. Also adding to the mood were the drummer’s translucent drum kit as well as the yellow and red lights the band had placed on the ground around the stage, making them look sun-lit themselves.

Another positive aspect of the band is their use of three guitarists. Many bands such as Hawthorne Heights have started using three guitarists recently which many see as unnecessary because two of the three guitars are usually playing the same notes. However, SPSD’s intricate melodies are given added depth and harmonic complexity with the inclusion of the third guitar, which is only used when appropriate. Overall, all the band’s instruments fit together impeccably and all play a unique part in creating the music’s atmosphere.

Solar Powered Sun Destroyer has kept up the DC tradition of hardcore bands that don’t sound anything like their DC hardcore forefathers. They maneuver epic soundscapes that demand fist-pumping of their audience in a whole new way. Hopefully this band will stick around because their sound is fresh and very enjoyable.

Cameron