There’s something to be said for a little summertime sunshine in the middle of October, particularly when the leaves are falling from the trees outside. I’m a bit under the weather today, but there’s nothing like a dose of folk-pop to brighten the morning. So, for a change, we’re kicking off the day with a review of a new collaboration between Ava Franks and Young Rising Sons. First, let’s meet the artists.
About Ava Franks
Ava Franks is a New York-based indie-pop artist who released her debut single in 2021. Since then, her catalogue has grown into a collection of upbeat, hook-driven pop drawing inspiration from singer-songwriters across several decades, with a particular affection for the 1990s. Her songs explore falling in love and growing up as she navigates her early twenties, one song at a time.
“Sweetless Surrender” is her first collaboration, joining forces with Young Rising Sons for a folk-rock-infused indie-pop song about the intoxicating nature of love.
Ava says: “Sweetless Surrender” was so much fun to create. I loved channeling the kind of ’90s indie-alt energy you’d hear at Lilith Fair. And the fact that Young Rising Sons could be a part of the song just makes the whole thing more special. I’ve been a fan of theirs for a while, from back when I heard “High” on the radio for the first time. This collab feels completely full circle to me, and I’m super grateful!
About Young Rising Sons
Honesty is at the heart of Young Rising Sons, the New Jersey band whose infectious indie-pop-rock sound invites listeners into the highs and lows of chasing their dreams.
Their musical journey has taken them on tour with Halsey, The 1975, The Neighbourhood and Weezer, as well as appearances at festivals including Made in America, Firefly and Dusk. With well over 100 million streams to their name, they’ve built an audience through vibrant songs such as “SAD (Clap Your Hands),” “King of the World,” “Carry On,” “Tomorrow” and “Sunday Sunshine.”
As singer and guitarist Andy Tongren explains, the band thrives on the road, where they feel the strongest connection with their audience. It’s the reason they started playing music in the first place.
The Review
“Sweetless Surrender” is released across streaming platforms on October 16.
“Being in the focus of your eye…” sings Ava, and from there we’re carried away on a summer breeze of a song. There’s a gentle folk sensibility at its heart, with a layer of pop melody adding a little extra sparkle. Imagine sunlight dancing across the waves, a warm breeze coming in from the sea and not a cloud in the sky. That’s the sort of atmosphere this song creates.
The chorus is a joyful celebration of love and the comfort of being with someone who makes you feel safe and wanted. It’s about those moments when you’re young, the romance is intoxicating, and the cares of the wider world can wait for another day.
I enjoyed this one for what it is: a well-sung, feel-good slice of folk-pop, with an uplifting chorus and a melody that’s easy to settle into. There’s no need to overcomplicate things when a song can put a smile on your face simply by doing what it does well.
I also had the chance to watch the video, and when it arrives, expect a visual world that fits the music perfectly: sand, sea, sunshine and smiles.
“Sweetless Surrender” is a little reminder that, sometimes, surrendering to a good feeling is no bad thing. Ava Franks and Young Rising Sons have delivered a bright, breezy collaboration that feels like a last taste of summer before autumn properly settles in. So, if the October skies are looking a little grey where you are, here’s an invitation to turn up the volume, find your own patch of sunshine and let the worries wait until tomorrow.
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You can stream music from Ava Franks here
By Anna-Louise Burgess
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