The Jersey Journal – Saturday, July 18, 1998

Garden State band proves to be the music scene’s best-kept secret

Suran Song in Stag almost sounds more like a soft-core porno movie than the name of a band, but in fact this quartet (based in New Brunswick) happens to be one of the Garden State’s best-kept secrets, an inventive and richly entertaining musical ensemble whose live performances come alive with an array of clever multimedia effects and costumes. Singer Suran Song has a distinctive and beautifully melodic voice, and she’s ably abetted by a whip smart ensemble that includes three New Brunswick scene veterans: William Weis on bass, Brian Sugent on guitar, and Jason Reynolds on drums.

Suran Song’s new 3-song CD-EP, “Analogue Love Muffin,” continues the band’s quest to create memorable, complex, slightly askew pop songs that tickle the mind as well as the ears. The title track explores the dynamics of a relationship in which one party inspired the other to think write, explore and ultimately, to grow. “Dust Crush” described by the band as “3 beefy chords in D” examines people who try to define their personality by their possessions. More important than the lyrics, the melody undulates with powerful twists that really grab your year. Finally, “Tryst Trying Trust” mixes clever wordplay with a sultry lead vocal for one of Suran Song’s most memorable songs.

It’s also worth mentioning that Suran Song In Stag is one of the few bands in the state with a commitment to performing at all-ages shows, a rarity in a state where the over-21 bar scene dominates local music. And???? the sleeve for this new EP is attractively hand-screened on recycled paper, making it both a collectible piece of art and environmentally-responsible. Not bad for a “pop” band.