The second studio album of Liverpool based band The Sundowners is much related to a more popular British band The Coral. The album Cut The Master was produced by The Coral's frontman, James Skelly; it was recorded in his studio and released under Skeleton Key, the label he co-owns with his brother Ian, who is also a member of The Coral. Further on, two of his siblings are part of The Sundowners - brother Alfie (guitar) and sister Fiona (vocal, guitar).
These two bands draw inspiration from the psychedelic of the 60s and 70s, and The Sundowners should not be identified as a copy of The Coral. Although they share the same roots, The Sundowners are much closer to British folk rock of the early 70s, which is why their music is characterized by a darker atmosphere (contrary to hippie psychedelic of The Coral). In the center of their sound are harmonies created by two wonderful female vocals of Niamh Rowie and Fiona Skelly. These girls mostly sing in the same tonality, which gives the band an archaic and enigmatic sound.
The album unfolds with Before The Storm lead by Tim Cunningham's magnificent bass line, which are supported by sonic textures painted by vocals, guitars and synths. In Great Beauty, a vertigo of vocal harmonies followed by perfect melancholic guitar melodic line of Alfie Skelly.
Title track Cut the Master brings a very intriguing interplay between main vocals. Their shifts give the song a very unique dynamic. Although the whole record is marked by robust rhythm section, King of The Dawn sees Jim Sharrock taking the spotlight with his tribal rhythms. The Watchful Eye starts with energetic resembling I Wanna Be Your Dog, while Find Out For Yourself radiates Bowie vibe.
Cut The Master might not have big hits (as Hummingbird from their debut Sundowners), but it is a great mixture of modern psychedelic and retro music harmonies. This is a mature sound that teases us to highly anticipate The Sundowners' next material.
