While scrolling through Instagram, I found myself entranced when I came across a post shared by Sofar Sounds of City of the Sun performing their song “W. 16th St.” from the album To the Sun and All the Cities In Between. Since then, I have been listening to this instrumental trio made up of guitarists John Pita, Avi Snow, and percussionist Zach Para, and I am honestly finding it hard to listen to anything else.
Individually and uniquely talented, these former buskers come together to create something extraordinary. I never thought I would be a fan of an instrumental band because lyrics are so important to me, but this New York based band has forever given me a new perspective on how amazing instrumental music can be. I quickly found myself singing along to the melodies of each song, imagery entering my mind filling the space where vocals would normally be found.
The feeling I get listening to them reminded me of a trip I took overseas in my early twenties. My friend and I met an older Italian couple while traveling on a train through Italy. The couple did not speak English and we did not speak Italian, but the husband saw us playing poker and was familiar enough with the game to join in. Finding enough common ground to communicate with a deck of cards was one of my favorite moments on that trip. I feel the same way about City of the Sun. They do not relay their messages with words, but I am able to find common ground through the emotions evoked when they play their instruments. I always say music is magical, and these guys could almost single handedly prove that fact.
Give City of the Sun a listen. I cannot get enough of them. Their latest project, Chapter II, is available now, and my favorite track is “Barcelona.” You can also catch them on tour soon. Click here for more information.