Song Spotlight: Sunrose's Chemical Feel (a night at El Cid)

Sunrose (lead vocalist and guitarist Jaxon Rose, bassist Tripp Bowers, and drummer Jax Kemp) had drummer Kemp take to the El Cid stage for a Whiplash solo percussion opening. Got to love it when a band let's the drummer open up the night. On that early December date, the band's aggressive style was the perfect setup for headliner Devon Thompson (you can read that review here). 

Sunrose at El Cid

Based on Spotify, the band only has released music in 2025, but their Spotify bio mentions that they've been rocking since 2020. Their Youtube page has videos where they performed as a four piece under the band name The Modeldead. The Modeldead had a punk style while the current three piece is a polished rock band with Southern roots.

Sunrose at El Cid

While watching their set, I had that feeling that I was watching something special. Though they had a polished style to them, bassist Bowers had the most stylish casual stance, they played their set as if they were on the tip of a precipice. Drummer Kemp's cymbals toppled over twice during the set -- the second time being during their rousing nightcap cover of Black Sabbath's "War Pig." As they were about to launch into "Nobody dances anymore," lead vocalists told the audience, "Have some f*cking fun." He then dropped his guitar pick mid-song, but he was ready for it, because he had a spare on his amp for just a moment like that.     

I should mention that this band has a sound that reminds me of an old DIY favorite Los Angeles band of mine called Silver Needle, which is one reason why I so enjoyed the set.

Sunrose at El Cid

Comment of the set: we don't f*cking have stories for our songs so just listen.  

The band didn't have a setlist prepared for the night, but since they have only four songs out on Spotify (assuming they took their The Modeldead songs off Spotify) it wasn't exactly necessary to have one. 

Sunrose at El Cid

The song spotlight goes to "Chemical Feel." A song about understanding why the love of their life ditched them, but still having that chemical desire for them.

I know you told me to stay sober
That I'd never be like him

This is a song where you know that someday they'll have fans (if it hasn't already happened) pogo dancing and stretching their arms towards the stage.  

Setlist: In Waiting, Chemical Feel, Inside, Headlights, Nobody dances anymore, War Pigs (Black Sabbath cover).