AV Super Sunshine’s “Smile” (Single/Video)

AV Super Sunshine has made his reputation over the years as a purveyor of five star rock pop recalling traditional rock on some of his earlier work yet percolating with modern components. Earlier work like “Time Bomb”, “I Am Alien”, “Bass Face”, and “Are You Happy?” established him as a major force working in concert with producer Michael Bradford, but his latest single “Smile” will propel his notoriety to higher level than before. It comes in a package containing two distinctive mixes and has a stronger electronic edge than some of his preceding work, particularly the second mix. The first mix utilizes regular instruments such as guitar and it is key to elaborating on the atmosphere of the track. It starts with a pulsing synthesizer before the guitar comes in and has a lyrical touch many will like. It complements the synthesizer laden arrangement in improbable yet successful ways.

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The lyrics for the track may seem a bit naïve to some listeners. Making the effort to smile in a world that often wipes the smile from faces seems a little simple-minded, but others will think it’s a thought worth considering. AV Super Sunshine, particularly in the first mix, fills the each line with easy going gravitas that makes it sound like a message of enormous importance. The way his vocal melody works along with the musical melody is an ideal marriage of sound. The lyrics in the second mix for the song are no different from the first, but producer Michael Bradford’s production re-envisions the singing with electronic treatment, the lead and backing vocals alike.

The way the musical arrangement unfolds in the first mix is attention getting. It begins on an electronic note before AV Super Sunshine introduces the guitar and the delicate interplay between the ethereal six string lines and glistening synthesizer textures has an almost cinematic flavor. The pre-programmed drums are often derided in other works as sounding too artificial, but they have a good feel in this track and create a rhythmic line pulsing throughout the performance. The vibrant sound of “Smile”, at least partially attributable to Michael Bradford’s production prowess, elevates his message for listeners.

By contrast, the second mix is a swirl of synthesizer and computerized sound, and the aforementioned difference in the vocal sound never sacrifices its humanity. Some listeners will prefer the vocal in the first mix because of its unvarnished sound, but the two mixes have distinctly different aims. It’s a credit to this talented performer and writer that he can provide listeners with two distinct musical visions rather than confining himself to a single frame. Both mixes are awash with color and guaranteed to invigorate all but the most cynical listeners – this extends to the message of the song as well. AV Super Sunshine has worked at a high level for many years and there’s every reason to believe to continue to do so. “Smile” is an important single for 2020 and one of the best examples of modern musical creativity.

Samuel Pratt