Collin Mullins blends genre in introspective new indie pop debut album, Sun City.

By Graeme Smith

An Austin, USA-based multi-instrumentalist and producer, Collin is new to our blog. He’s just hit my radar thanks to his debut album Sun City. Exploring themes of growth and change, it deliciously blends genres across its twelve tracks.

The album opens brightly with the textured Laughin’ Large. When the lyrics come it, it quickly becomes clear that Collin has a way with words, delivering a story that reads romantic but has a refreshing originality about the well-covered topic. A soaring chorus seals the deal, delivered soulfully by Collin. It’s a strong start.

Anything You Want It to Be is slow and sultry before Breakfast in Bed proves a highlight thanks to its laidback style and storytelling lyrics. Title track Sun City keeps thing chilled, introducing a little melancholy to the mix. This bittersweetness runs through to the percussive 4th of July before I Need You rounds off the first half of the album with a pleading number rich with lingering guitar.

The second half of the album centres around Sunny Side which provides a soaring, wistful higlight. Before we get to it, we are treated to the anthemic soft rock of These Are the Days, the hip-hop-infused So the Story Goes, and the simmering Day’s End. The album is then rounded off by the relaxing and atmospheric Waves of Silence and the vibrant, philosophical You’ve Got to Take the Journey if you Want to Find the Source.

Such is the originality of Collin’s sound that it’s difficult to find similar artists to which to compare him. The bright indie pop of Darwin Deez comes to mind, particularly during Laughin’ Large. His more laidback moments are reminiscent of Jack Johnson yet his rockier ones recall elements of The Strokes. Despite the contrasting styles, the tracks of the album work well together, creating a coherent whole.

Sun City is out now and you can give it a listen below.