
21 June 2023 – album review by Luci Scott
There are albums that are a momentary escape from reality and then there are those that mirror our lives, unflinchingly portraying the dichotomy of human existence. Trophy Eyes’ fourth studio album, Suicide and Sunshine, belongs to the latter category. Intense, personal, and brutally honest, the album offers a fascinating contrast between the light and the dark. It doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable truths, rather it takes you on an emotional journey of beauty and tragedy, mirroring the dual facets of life.
The album beautifully captures the shades of frontman John Floreani’s life. The narrative of each song is deeply personal, unfolding like a diary page torn out and offered to the audience. ‘Blue Eyed Boy’, a heartbreaking story of a friend grappling with drug addiction, and ‘People Like You’, a raw depiction of growing up in poverty in rural New South Wales, are testimonials to Floreani’s storytelling prowess. However, it’s ‘Sean’ a devastating tale of a friend’s suicide, that remains the album’s emotional epicentre. The song is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of grief, lending the album its intriguing title – Suicide and Sunshine, epitomizing the unforeseen clash of tragedy with the routine of everyday life.
In terms of music, Trophy Eyes continues to explore and expand the hardcore genre. They’ve added elements of dark modern pop in ‘My Inheritance’ and scattered electronic touches throughout the album, thanks to co-producer Fletcher Matthews. The atmospheric synthesizers in ‘Runaway Come Home’ and ‘Sydney’ add a dreamy but sad tone that fits well with the stories the songs tell.
The album is a powerful reminder of the essence of Trophy Eyes, a testament to their journey so far, and a promise of their potential future. It doesn’t just revisit why Trophy Eyes began making music but emphatically declares why they should continue. As Floreani aptly puts it, this album is about them “just doing the stuff we like”, but to the listeners, it is much more. It’s a beautiful journey through the band’s past, present, and future, creating a rare connection between the artists and their audience. Songs such as ‘Burden’ and ‘Runaway Come Home’ reveal Floreani’s personal struggles, with addiction and troubled family relationships. His honest lyrics add a realness to the album, like a release of emotions that not only helps him deal with his problems, but also reaches out to those who find comfort in their music.
Floreani describes the album’s creation process as a rollercoaster ride. The band swung between productive creativity and periods of uncertainty, questioning their bold musical decisions. However, this dynamic tension resulted in a complex and layered sound, placing Trophy Eyes at the edge of exploring new musical styles. Interestingly, the album was created amidst the desperation of a global pandemic. It was initially perceived as their farewell record, but instead, it reinvigorated the band, reaffirming their love for music and each other. The band’s ability to translate their vulnerability into powerful lyrics and compelling melodies is commendable.

In a world where everything is fleeting, Suicide and Sunshine feels like a permanent fixture. It’s an album that’s both timely and timeless, grounding us in our shared human experience while also propelling us forward with its bold, genre-bending soundscapes. It leaves us anticipating what Trophy Eyes have in store for us next, but until then, we have this potent work of art to return to, time and again Indeed, the album’s closing track, ‘Epilogue’, is a heartfelt tribute to their fans and their own journey. Floreani’s line, “I hope I entertained you” captures the deep emotion the band has poured into the album. But it also signals a rebirth for the group as they found a renewed sense of purpose in creating the album, affirming that Suicide and Sunshine won’t be their final chapter.
Suicide and Sunshine is out 23 June – pre-order here and tour starts this week.
Thursday 22 June – Fremantle Social Club, Fremantle
Friday 23 June – The Gov, Adelaide
Saturday 24 June – Northcote Theatre, Melbourne
Friday 30 June – The Tivoli, Brisbane
Saturday 1 July – Metro Theatre, Sydney
TICKETS ON SALE NOW.
For all ticket and tour information – www.trophyeyesmusic.com