Suns of March

Suns of March Bio:

The lights dim into darkness, five silhouettes walk onto a stage while everybody rushes to the platform and everyone begins to be consumed by what is named the "Suns of March" experience.

Who are "Suns of March?" Physically, "Suns of March" are five guys who have combined both musically and vocally to form an alternative / southern-rock band that is soon to be celebrated around the planet. "Suns of March" is like the first sip of a margarita on a Friday night: releasing the worries of the world. Arising from the ashes of another popular band ("Michael Wright and The Coconut Cowboys"), they have delighted tens of thousands across the Southeast and sold thousands of copies of an original CD.

Musically, "Suns of March" possess undeniable talent. The founding member of the band is Michael Wright. Michael's musical contributions are lead vocals, guitar, and harmonica. Michael, along with Charles Smith, is from Montgomery, AL, where the band is based. Charles Smith adds a different dimension to the band's sound on slide and lead guitar. Tom Shrout (Pensacola, FL) plays bass guitar uniting the rhythmic aspects of their songs with the melodious ones. And when Zebulon Bowles (Arcata, CA) slides the bow across his fiddle, it leaves an audience in a state of disbelief. Joining Zebulon is Steve Stewart (Miami, FL). Steve hammers out the rhythms that have inspired a multitude of fans to swarm their stage.

"Suns of March" magically blend the lead vocals of Michael with the voices of Charles, and Zebulon, which form a sound that warms the soul. It is impossible to describe the indescribable; however, if comparisons of the harmonies of "Suns of March" are to be made one should think of the "Eagles." The groups stage presence guarantees that everyone listening will be motivated to a frenzy of excitement. What else would you expect from a group that has shared the stage with such greats as Brad Cotter, Diamond Rio, Edwin Mccain, Joan Jett, Josh Todd (Buckcherry), Josh Turner, The Kicks, Lance Miller, Loverboy, and Matt Lindahl?

Seeing "Suns of March" perform live is a tremendously gratifying, almost orgasmic experience; however, if you are unable to catch a performance, you can participate in the ecstasy by listening to the band's new album. "Suns of March" have just introduced their first studio album, Bulletproof Heart. The album contains 12 tracks. Like chapters form novels, these songs combine to form more than just 3-minute statements but rather a story, an idea, and philosophy previously unknown; therefore, the band did not simply write songs but instead an album. "Suns of March" produced the CD themselves. Jeff Tomei (Matchbox 20, Smashing Pumpkins) mixed Bulletproof Heart while Rodney Mills (Pearl Jam, REM) mastered it. Another element arose from the making of the disc; Eddie Wohlford joined the band on piano and organ. Eddie has played with such stars as Beth Neilson Chapman and "Styx" guitarist Tommy Shaw.

Bulletproof Heart starts off with an up-tempo number: "I Need Love." The song is one of the closest numbers to mainstream the band has to offer; the track could easily fit into almost any popular music scene with its' catchy hooks. The third song on the album is quite memorable. In "San Jose" Michael, Zebulon, and Clay harmonize about escaping the pressures of life with the one you love and going away to San Jose, Mexico. The fourth track on Bulletproof Heart is an upbeat number called "Hanna." "Hanna" starts out with a country/southern rock feel, (the harmonies are somewhat reminiscent of the song "Amy") then, in the middle, there is a killer New Orleans / Dixieland jazz style take with an amazing trumpet solo. The only real melancholy song on the album is entitled "Sentimental Moonlight." A very nice use of the violin in a classical sense is exhibited in this song. The latter part of the album contains a hard rock attitude. The song "I Learned It from You" is what everyone wants to say to that ex that just ripped his or her heart to shreds. The title track to the disc is another hard rock song with a superb guitar introduction. The words to "Bulletproof Heart" go as follows: "I ain't into love no more/ don't come gunning for me/ I've got a bulletproof heart." Bulletproof Heart exhibits elements of Southern pride and hard rock edginess; thus creating a new sound and era in music: the "Suns of March" era.

One of the elements that makes "Suns of March" so unique is the use of the fiddle. Come on, how many rock bands use a fiddle? Or have such perfect harmonies? Another element present in the band's album is the combination of so many influences which coalesce to form the groups unique style of alternative / southern-rock. It is a type of boot stomping, head banging music. The final element that makes the band one in a million is, plain and simply, they are doing it their way. No selling out. Just pure, soul felt music.

When I listen to "Suns of March," I think of a quote Ludwig Van Beethoven once uttered, "Music is a revelation; a revelation loftier than all wisdom and all philosophy." "Suns of March" are a voice for today; they dignify a philosophy that can change the world.