Shredded Sun has been on a journey throughout their years releasing music. Originally starting as Fake Fictions in the early noughties before coming back to life as the now beloved Shredded Sun in 2015, the Chicago trio (consisting of Sarah Ammerman, Nick Ammerman, and Ben Billow) show no signs of slowing down, as demonstrated by their latest single, ‘Cruel Streak’.
Kicking the song right off is the howling of the guitar. It intrigues just enough that you want to continue listening, to see where that one wail will lead to before the drums, which can only be described as punchy, snatch you right in. The trio is clever with how they use their instruments; they showcase how there doesn’t need to be any fancy trickery to make for an invigorating listen.
There’s something distinctly eighties about Sarah Ammerman’s vocals, reminding me slightly of the legendary Siouxsie Sioux of Siouxsie And The Banshees. Ammerman’s voice nails punk to a t. It’s messy and unpolished, and that’s what helps to make the song so good.
Talking directly to someone who, as the name suggests, has a cruel streak, it’s an enjoyable concept. With lyrics including “stop kicking me when I’m down / supposed to be on the same team, now we’re bursting at the seams / it’s a game of lose lose” and the thrashing beat behind them, Shredded Sun captures the feelings of the grudging anger that you hold towards these types of people perfectly.
Loud and angsty, ‘Cruel Streak’ has all the makings of a good punk song and leaves me on the edge of my seat, wondering where the band will go next.
Written by Madi Briggs
