Rock Archeologia

Sunrise - Sunrise (1977 Buddah Records) 

Artist: Sunrise
Album: Sunrise
Label: Buddah Records
Catalog#: BDS 5697
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Promo
Country: US
Released: 1977
Genre: AOR, Rock, Pop Rock
Duration: 00:37:55

• Here's one of those dime-a-dozen late 70's label tax write-offs that gave plenty of choice and color to record bins, but understandably due to next to zero promotion from the groups label, Sunrise failed to ignite any warm fuzzies from the record buying public at large. I know I passed over it more than a few times based on the embarrassingly cheesy back photo of the group, but again judging a book by its cover is always foolish and a few years ago I picked it up for just a couple bucks and was pleasantly surprised.
• Produced by The Beach Boys Bruce Johnston, the mood as to be expected is upbeat and cheery and very 1970's. One can hear bits and pieces of Treasure, Styx, Pablo Cruise, Driver, Hush and a host of early AOR sounds that to this listener is a delight to the ears. Check out that ARP on 'Find Some Time'- I'm in heaven! What I like about Sunrise is they seemed to be a pop band first, AOR second. Much of the lyric content is boy meets girl, love found and lost, but the juxtaposition between rock and near bubblegum gum pop is fascinating and just when you think you have these guys figured out they throw in a fiery fusion instrumental with 'Saturn Rain'! Didn't see that one coming!
• All in all Sunrise is a fun listen that I wish I had picked up years earlier. What happened to these guys after the record tanked is not certain although keyboardist Domenic Cicchetti went on to be part of Meatloaf's touring band in the late 80's. I wonder if he included Sunrise in his resume. (glorydazemusic.com).

 • Side One:
A1. Don't Ask Now 4:16
A2. Find Some Time 4:47
A3. Sunrise Scherzo 4:31
A4. Can I Take You Home 4:05
 • Side Two:
B1. Saturn Rain 4:14
B2. Just Want You Around 3:37
B3. Christine 4:33
B4. Found My Love 3:33
B5. Blue Bessie Bossa 4:30

      Producer by Bruce Johnston, Lewis Merenstein

Personel:
Domenic Cicchetti - Keyboards, Vocals
Michael Berman - Lead Vocals, Bass
Ronn Payne - Guitars, Vocals
Greg Vance - Drums

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                                                          • Many Thanks to EW