Bad Suns – Accelerator

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Bad Suns are on the right trajectory on their fifth studio album, Accelerator, that leans heavily into lead vocalist/guitarist Christo Bowman’s personal life. Bowman has a lot to be thankful for: a beautiful wife and growing family that now includes a child, and it becomes increasingly evident on this new LP that he is also truly coming into his own as a gifted songwriter with a clear vision for the music he’s making. Accelerator is Bad Suns’ first full-length studio album in three years, while the last time we heard music from the band was in the form of a 2023 EP, named Infinite Joy, that gave clues as to where the band could and would take their music in the future. The overall flow of Accelerator is well-organized, meaningful and brimming with excitement from start to finish. Through Bowman’s lens of how he sees the world, musically, Bad Suns have simultaneously made their most personal and best record to date.

The Accelerator era was kicked off with the announcement of lead single, “Communicating”, and it does a nice job of encapsulating the stylistic choices made on this record as a whole. Bowman explains the everyday distractions of our phones and social media in a relationship by pondering, “Do you want me to stay? / You’ve got a really funny way of communicating / Do you want me to go? / It’s like I never really know, if you love or hate me / Tongue in cheek, I’m anxious / Now you’re speaking my language.” It’s an insightful look at the dangers of the internet in distracting us from what’s most important: human interaction and connections.

The other singles that were released leading up to the launch of Accelerator were the cool, 80’s synth pop groove of “Slow Karma”, and the beachside, smooth croon of “Mystery Girl” that showcases Bowman’s continued growth as a lyricist and vocalist. Bad Suns are now a three-piece band, consisting of bassist Gavin Bennett and drummer Miles Morris, whose contributions cannot be understated. While Bowman’s main role as band leader and primary songwriter continues to pay off for the band, Bad Suns continue to age gracefully as artists and musicians.

“Ready To Take Flight” recalls Bowman going from the lowest of lows (“After the show, I wept an ocean / In a hotel room, planning to die / Shut my eyes, fantasized, until my loved ones crossed my mind”) to the highest point in his personal life, as he recalls “’Honey, I’m home,‘ her skin is glowing / She tells me we’re having a child / Say goodbye from time to time, so I can play my music live / Time goes by, when I get home, I won’t miss a moment.” It’s hard to not root for Bowman’s happiness in his “story” as his captivating performances and outlook on life quickly improves.

The 80’s-esque, new wave song of “Why Am I Like This?” features a great rhythm section courtesy of Bennett and Morris, while Christo Bowman admits in the pre-chorus lyrics of, “When you’re with me / My dark cloud dissolves into the breeze.” We all need that one person in our lives that helps us through our darkest moments, and it sure seems like Christo has found his life partner. “Madeline” is a tribute to Christo’s wife, that features a stellar pre-chorus of, “I look around / Right here, right now / Right where I’m supposed to be / My spirits ascend /Transcending the clock / This woman, she leads to Heaven / Hang on for my life,” before gushing with love in the hook.

“Just Like Magic” begins the second side of Accelerator, and is packed with interesting beats and fills from drummer Miles Morris, who steals some of the bright spotlight away from Bowman, if not only temporarily, on his vibrant performance. The song is urgent, filled with great energy, and stays true to the sound Bad Suns have developed since they stormed onto the music scene in 2010. The synth-heavy “Back To Zero” is a club-ready, feet to the floor, dance anthem, while “What’s Best For You” brings Christo Bowman back to the lyrical topic of his personal life and his on-going journey with his growing family.

“Postcard” is built largely around the first verse lyric of “Pain in a paradise disguise / Like the postcard in my bedside drawer / That I pull out from time to time / In search of my remote,” and Bowman continues his quest for happiness and peace in life. The breathy vocals found on the ballad of “Wait in the Car” takes a turn towards the violent as Christo begins fantasizing over taking action on someone who has hurt someone close to him as he shares in the bridge of, “After what you told me / I could break both his legs / Spend my Saturday in jail / Sell my Chevy for the bail / I don’t think that I will / That man ain’t worth my time and money / I put down my baseball bat / I’ve got my knife/ He’s got his truck with two flats.” Bowman’s realization of discovering what’s most important in his life is commendable, even if he has to take the high road (mostly) by getting his revenge in a different way.

The Accelerator closer of “Do The Twist of Fate” is sure to sound lovely during Bad Suns’ upcoming fall headlining tour of the mid-size clubs throughout the country, and it will keep fan interest high in this band’s approach to their music. Christo Bowman may have finally unlocked the true potential in his songwriting by finding happiness, a worthy purpose in his personal life, and a clear artistic path forward towards his band’s music in the future. Bad Suns have taken flight, and it’s a beautiful sight to see.

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