Bad Suns Reignite Their Flame with “Accelerator”
Buckle up! Accelerator Bad Suns’ fifth studio album, takes you on a dynamic, energetic and genre-bending ride of self-actualization. The band has expanded their sonic horizons into the world of Japanese-inspired 80s pop, while not straying from their signature catchy hooks or witty lyricism. Accelerator has a surprising, mature shift in tone, grappling with the struggles of adulthood and existentialism. Overall, the new album marks a new era for the LA-based alt-pop trio, personally and professionally.
Graphic by Paige Wallner / Image via Jaxon Whittington, Bad Suns | Epitaph Records
Originally formed in 2012, Bad Suns is composed of Christo Bowman (vocals and guitar), Gavin Bennett (bass) and Miles Morris (drums), who have been making music together since their childhood. The signature Bad Suns sound is heavily inspired by alternative dream pop, comparable to the likes of The Cure or Tears For Fears. Since 2022, the band has been operating as a three piece, which became the catalyst for their reinvention. As Christo enters a new phase of life in his 30s, Bad Suns’s style has naturally shifted.
Bad Suns kick off the album with “Slow Karma,” their second single, consisting of upbeat pop elements, like melodic chimes and energetic guitar riffs. Bowman declares, “I’ll turn my luck back around / Oh, I’m still searching for some higher ground,” setting the scene for Accelerator. Bowman plays with the notion of being unlucky in life, but remains optimistic for the future. Lyrically and sonically, this single feels like a nod to the original Bad Suns sound.
Contrasting “Slow Karma,” “Ready To Take Flight” touches on themes of sobriety, death, mortality, and fatherhood, deeming it the most personal and vulnerable track on Accelerator. Slick guitar licks are the foundation of the song, building into the lingering synths that crescendo in the chorus. While the lyrics are evocative and jarring, Bowman finds solace singing, “Shut my eyes, fantasized / Until my loved ones crossed my mind.” In more ways than one, “Ready To Take Flight” is a key standout on the album.
The remaining singles, “Mystery Girl” and “Communicating” follow the course of prior relationships, both equally as nostalgic. “Mystery Girl” sounds exactly how you would expect; hazy 80s bedroom pop. The layered, harmonic guitar riffs steal the show while complimenting Bowman’s vocals. “Communicating” leans into the 70s disco scene with its funky bass and danceable chorus. This track is the first of many that showcases Bowman’s anxious disposition and lack of self-assuredness.
Following suit, “Why Am I Like This?” is a fast-paced manifestation of Bowman’s struggles with insecurity and self-critism. In the first verse, he sings, “All of my favorite stories are the ones in which I almost die / Lucky I’m alive today.” Leading into the chorus, the downbeat of the drums take over, matching the power of Bowman’s lead vocals. “Just Like Magic” is another disco-esque track, alluding to the notion of spiraling, losing yourself, and feeling out of place. Dynamic synths carry the verses and chorus, but it shines exceptionally bright during the guitar solo in the bridge.
“Back To Zero” is the climax of the album where Bowman comes face to face with his reality. It evokes a sense of uneasiness with its louder production, sporadic synths, and heavy bass in the chorus. Bowman finds himself at rock bottom, unable to escape himself and is uncomfortable with this realization. Ironically enough, this is the tipping point for him, the catalyst for real change and self-reflection.
“Seek clarity in therapy / Edit out what might sound insane / I don’t think that it works this way”, he chants.
“Madeline” is a classic Bad Suns love song, perfectly articulating what it is like to be infatuated with someone. Bowman compares this partner to an angel, leading him to heaven in the prechorus. “What’s Best For You? Ain’t Me”, “Postcard”, and “Wait In The Car” are all slower-paced and somber in tone, touching on themes of change and drifting apart. Finally, “Do The Twist Of Fate” brings the album full circle with its playful sentiment and lighthearted energy. Bowman finds himself back on Earth, embracing his newfound identity, and letting go of the fear that once loomed over him.
In 2025, it is difficult to keep Bad Suns in a box, pinning them to just one genre. Stylistically, there is a natural ebb and flow to this record that their previous releases have yet to achieve. Bowman lays his heart on the line with this body of work, which will spark conversation about mental health amongst listeners. Although this is their first release as a trio, Bad Suns have managed to successfully expand their pop horizons while staying true to their signature flair on Accelerator.
