Tonic: Sugar (1999)
If there was a hidden message in going from bitter to sweet references in the titles of Tonic’s first two albums (their 1996 debut being Lemon Parade) it’s lost on me.
But there’s no denying the honeyed glaze coating the riffs and melodies on their second LP.
Discovering the band’s music post-2010 was probably key to my own appreciation of them. Among the Matchbox Twenty/Third Eye Blind/Toad the Wet Sprocket/Collective Soul thicket of 90’s modern rock, their music had a “heard it before” quality in the minds of some critics.
But to my ears at least, the years have been kind, and Tonic’s earnest lyrics and sturdy–if not groundbreaking–songwriting make for an enjoyable listen in an era when guitar rock isn’t exactly flourishing.
“You Wanted More” graced the American Pie soundtrack and so may be familiar. The song is inspired by the difficulties in striking a balance between life in a touring band and maintaining a relationship.
“Sugar” is breezily romantic; or, if you’re inclined to be critical, a little moist and saccharine. Depends on your taste, really.
“Waiting for the Light to Change” is wistful and evocative, and its title refrain is a metaphor that’ll stop you in your tracks–in a manner of speaking.
“Sunflower” is built on the kind of lively, stomping riff that has me hoping to take advantage of one of the rare opportunities to see these guys live.
Tonic received Grammy nominations and plenty of alternative rock airplay. And yet it seemed they could have been bigger. Perhaps the fact that they weren’t terribly prolific–just four albums released between 1996 and 2010–held them back. Or maybe they were just victims of a glut of guitar rock at the time.
At any rate, some bands and artists deserve to be reevaluated or reappraised outside their original context. I think Tonic is such a band.
Removed from the “Modern Rock” era, it’s just good music.
Listen to: “You Wanted More”
Listen to: “Sugar”
Listen to: “Waiting for the Light to Change”
Listen to: “Sunflower”
See also: https://edcyphers.com/2019/05/11/songs-you-may-have-missed-637/
Every Moment Has A Song 