Suns of Defiance - The Art of Patience

Suns of Defiance

The Art of Patience
self-released; 2016

3.6 out of 5

By Jamie Funk
​

First off, Suns of Defiance is a great name. The brains and ringleader behind the band is Don Tonic. Interestingly enough the supporting cast is different depending upon where the band plays. I have actually never heard of this before but it seems to be working out. 

The latest album The Art of Patience is a fitting title. It has fifteen songs. There are four intro type tracks but the rest are around five-to-seven minutes long. The Art of Patience is a long album that does require some patience and multiple sittings to be fully enjoyed. 

The album begins with a sample that is spliced up with someone interjecting the words “Don Tonic” and “The Art of Patience.” It feels a bit silly but in good fun. What I really enjoyed was the use of samples on “California Revenue Whores.” The samples revolves around parking tickets and a broader picture of the state exploiting the general populace. It has an anti-government punk vibe. Good stuff. The song is one of the highlights and I thought the vocal delivery was fitting.  He sings, “How many times have you been outside & you get to your ride & you're violated? The street sweepers equal dollar signs, trying to explain would take too much time.”

Tonic does have a clear narrative for most of the songs. HIs messages are fairly clear with no ambiguity.  “American Nightmare” revolves around the predestined plan many of us are subject to living in western culture while “Sunset” may be sarcastically poking fun at the concept of true love.  

One of the catchiest songs is “And Fools Shine On.” Certainly a contender for the single. As the album progresses I felt there were some highlights (“Mastermind Times” and blues inspired closer “Save the World Song”).

The Art of Patience isn't exactly the most cohesive album in the word. When you compare “California Revenue Whores” to “Save the World Song” it sounds like unrelated bands. That being said the songs are strong. Some being quite memorable.

​Overall, The Art of Patience is one in the win category because of the delivery and songwriting.

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