Sunbendr: A raw and honest look at growing up

by

As a gaming enthusiast, I was lucky enough to grab some time with two of Sunbendr‘s crew last Friday – the very same day they dropped their third summer single, “Stay All Night.” Let me tell you, it was an awesome hangout!

“I wonder,” Brandon Parkhurst (guitar and vocals) pondered. “How are you gonna tell our story?”

This statement caused me to reflect too, because Sunbendr isn’t your average band. Their Soundcloud description says, “The world is out of shape, but we’re not grumbling… instead, we’re composing tunes about it. The positive, the negative, the destructive. The exhilarating, the cheerful, and the ordinary. These songs are our interpretation.

Sunbendr grows up and stays true

In the past, Parkhurst and Chris Coté (the bassist and vocalist) were part of a band together. You might vaguely remember this group as they once opened for renowned bands like blink-182 and Green Day during the early 2000s. The band, Kut U Up, was famous for their unconventional stage antics, although their music was equally impressive.

Following their individual careers, Parkhurst and Cote found a renewed passion for music after Kut U Up disbanded. This rekindled interest led to the formation of Sunbendr, and the inclusion of Frank Dixon on drums.

As long as they maintain their youthful energy, Sunbendr infuses a matured, sophisticated feel into their music, which is unexpected for a group (or even an entire genre) unwilling to embrace maturity – not just in terms of age.

Musical groups evolve and adapt, which is characteristic of skilled artists. They allow their life experiences to influence their music. This evolution can sometimes upset fans, leading some bands to fade away, but other times it leads to a resurgence. In this situation, the result is a completely new band producing a contemporary sound with a nostalgic twist that’s been dominating the radio waves lately. If you haven’t yet listened to them, you’re missing out on their innovative blend of classic and modern tunes.

Though Sunbendr may appear relatively new compared to established bands, their music carries a nostalgic vibe reminiscent of the early 2000s. For Sunbendr, it’s all about crafting tunes that you’d crank up loud with your car windows down.

Drawing upon their collective and personal encounters, they compose music that stirs a sense of nostalgia while pushing boundaries, making you feel as if you’re being transported back in time yet also moving ahead.

In just a week, I’ve somehow gotten a handle on sounds that were previously tricky for me. It’s amazing what a dedicated trio can achieve!

Under tight deadlines, Sunbendr collaborated closely with George Perks, a friend, recording engineer, mixer, and producer who traveled from England specifically to assist them. With only six days at their disposal, they utilized Tom DeLonge’s (blink-182, Angels & Airwaves, Box Car Racer) private studio in San Diego. Surprisingly, DeLonge lent his guitar skills to the recordings as well.

Subsequently, they visited Chris Prescott’s studio, which doubled as an audio engineering and music education center, for an extra couple of days. While the atmosphere wasn’t your typical laid-back recording scene, it was undeniably exciting.

Due to limited studio time, they found themselves needing to deliver their best performance for every run-through. This intensity resulted in them producing an average of one song per day. In the end, they completed and released five new songs, with three already available on popular streaming services!

The SoCal trio has upcoming live shows, primarily in California, with hopes for an expansion to the East Coast. They also plan to produce a few music videos that encapsulate their unique sound.

Sunbendr’s primary aim revolves around enjoying life. It serves as a constant encouragement that maturity doesn’t always mean abandoning childlike joy. Rather, it means being mature while still finding pleasure and amusement in everyday experiences.

In simpler terms, Sunbendr is an engaging exploration of self-discovery, maturity, and staying authentic. By embracing this journey, you’re sure to have a great time! Essentially, they are providing you with the perfect soundtrack for this adventure!

Read More

2025-08-31 13:00