Sunburnkids Takes the Spotlight: Exploring Life's Unspoken Battles with Their Debut Album, 'Elephant in the Room'’
By. Alicia Zamora
Sunburnkids, the creative director and artist, has just released their debut full-length album, "Elephant in the Room," which is a captivating and deeply personal work of art. The album's title draws inspiration from the American idiom, symbolizing important issues that are often avoided due to discomfort or fear. Sunburnkids' decision to collaborate closely with children for this project brings a refreshing and unique perspective to the music.
This album is their debut and a deeply personal, self-taught project. Having learned everything on their own—from fashion to videography to music—Sunburnkids poured their unique tastes and modes of expression into this work. Each track tells a story that reflects real life, with involvement from children at church and even actors who helped bring the narratives to life. The music video for the title track, “Red Cheek Boys,” features Sunburnkids’ younger brother, authentically capturing his own past.
The album reflects Sunburnkids' personal journey, carrying the weight of childhood habits and unresolved traumas. Through their music, Sunburnkids invites listeners to confront their own "elephants in the room" and encourages them to embrace their stories, even if they cannot bring them close.
This project is even more special because Sunburnkids didn’t create it alone—they crafted it together with children. They explained the lyrics and themes to the kids, organized art classes, and used the children’s drawings as the album covers. On September 30th, an album listening party and exhibition was held at “Layer Studio 7” in Yongsan, where the children's artwork will be displayed. Their voices are also interwoven into the album, giving listeners a deeper sense of how Sunburnkids views and values the children involved. “Sunburnkids tells them that they are both the authors and the protagonists of this album.”
The music video for "Red Cheek Boys" powerfully represents Sunburnkids' artistic vision, and the upcoming release of the music video for "Time" is highly anticipated. Sunburnkids' choice to use lyrics and music as their medium for expression, opting for clarity over abstraction, effectively delivers the album's poignant message.
The album consists of 11 tracks, with Sunburnkids writing, composing, directing, producing, and overseeing the music videos entirely. When asked, "Why do you take on everything yourself?" Sunburnkids responded, "Because no one can truly understand my life as deeply as I do."
Track 1: ‘Babel Top’
Diving into the first track, ‘Babel Top, ’is a profound and deeply affecting musical composition. The song's narrative unfolds like a poignant coming-of-age novel, chronicling the protagonist's struggles with morality, peer influence, and the clash of conflicting values. The artist's ability to convey the complexity of his emotions through music is nothing short of mesmerizing, leaving an indelible impact on the listener.
Track 2: ‘Crook’
The second track, ‘Crook,’ delves into the depths of the human experience, capturing the essence of a young boy's journey through the trials and tribulations of youth. The hauntingly introspective lyrics paint a vivid picture of innocence lost as the artist lays bare the emotional scars of his past. The ethereal melody and evocative vocals create an immersive sonic landscape that draws the listener into his inner thoughts.
Track 3: Red Cheek Boys’
The third track, ‘Red Cheek Boys,’ is a raw and introspective exploration of the artist's childhood experiences. The lyrics vividly depict a young boy's struggle with temptation, peer pressure, and conflicting moral values. The artist, known as Sunburnkids, bares his soul as he recounts moments of youthful rebellion and the internal conflict that ensued. The haunting melody and evocative vocals draw the listener into the emotional landscape of the song, making it a compelling and thought-provoking piece.
Tracl 4:‘Fisher Man’
The fourth track, ‘Fisher Man,’ is remarkable and heartwarming and stands out for its collaborative nature. His decision to involve children in the creation process adds a unique and refreshing perspective to the music and reflects a commendable approach to creativity. The incorporation of children's voices and artwork in the album creates an immersive experience, allowing listeners to connect with the music on a deeper level.
Track 5: ‘Time’
The fifth track, ‘Time,’ serves as a cautionary tale and a testament to the artist's resilience and wisdom gained from his experiences. It offers a powerful message of self-discovery and the importance of learning from one's mistakes. Sunburnkids' gratitude for the scars of his past and his newfound understanding of the consequences of reckless behavior are conveyed with striking vulnerability and authenticity, making this song a compelling addition to his body of work.
Track 6: ‘The Fence’
The sixth track, ‘The Fence’he song began with a robotic sound, effectively conveying a sense of entrapment and the struggle to break free. Its seamless transition from a mellow, outgoing vibe to a sudden shift into a darker, more destructive tone made it stand out. This contrast added depth and intensity to the track, making it a memorable listening experience. Overall, it was a powerful piece that skillfully evoked many emotions.
Track 7: ‘Erlkönig’
The seventh track, ‘Erlkönig,’ starts with a movie-like start, characterized by the piano and high vocals, highlighting the artist's willingness to explore new musical territories. The track serves as a testament to the artist's fearlessness in venturing outside their comfort zone to deliver innovative and captivating work. Throughout the song, there is a sense of urgency, as if the artist is racing against time to convey a profound message through their art. This urgency adds an intriguing layer to the overall listening experience, making it a compelling and thought-provoking track.
Track 8: ‘Acne Scar’
The Eighth track, ‘Acne Scar’ SUNBURNKIDS' tells a story this track and candid reflections on his past create a deeply relatable and authentic listening experience. The song's narrative arc, from youthful indiscretion to profound self-realization, resonates with the universal themes of growth and personal introspection. The artist's ability to convey the complexity of his emotions through music is truly captivating, leaving a lasting impression on the listener.
Track 9: ‘Nomad’
Ninth track ‘Nomad’ this track felt like a masterful display of artistic expression and storytelling. The tracks on this album have a more calm vibe, one that you can feel at ease with. The artist has poured his heart and soul into each song, and you can tell that every track is deeply meaningful to him. Each song seems to carry a weight of personal experience, and the artist's sincerity shines through in every track. The album's overall mood is contemplative and thought-provoking, making it a powerful and immersive listening experience.
Track 10: ‘Playground’
The tenth track, "Playground," stands as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of self-discovery. SUNBURNKIDS' touching lyrics and introspective musings serve as a poignant reminder of the indelible marks left by our past experiences and the profound wisdom gained through introspection and growth. The song's haunting beauty and emotional depth make it a compelling addition to the artist's body of work, a timeless reflection on the universal themes of youth, temptation, and the enduring journey toward self-realization.
Track 11: ‘Agustin’
The Eleventh track, ‘Agustin,’ is a mesmerizing journey through a variety of emotions and musical styles. From the haunting melodies of the opening track to the energetic beats of the final song, the album takes listeners on a captivating sonic adventure. His distinctive blend of soulful vocals, intricate guitar work, and powerful rhythms creates a rich, dynamic, captivating, and deeply moving sound.
Elephant in the Room
Overall, Sunburnkids ability to create deeply personal and universally relatable music is a testament to their talent and vision. This album is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates music that is both soul-stirring and sonically adventurous. It's evident that Sunburnkids not only values the children's input but also seeks to empower and celebrate their creativity. This approach sets the album apart and serves as a heartening reminder of the importance of nurturing young talents. The album is not just a collection of songs but a meaningful and inclusive work of art that resonates with its audience profoundly.