“Sunrise ‘is a five track EP of refreshingly raw material from Mark Vennis & Different Place that captures a sense of life in twenty- first century Britain. I say so because the EP has been packaged with punk rock and special touches of soul and blues with raw emotion and sharp social commentaries. It seems to borrow in equal parts influences from The Clash and from Gang of Four with an heroic hint of R.E.M., but it is not afraid to put a new twist to that sound that is at once familiar and new. The end product is the creation of energy and food for thought and this is what makes this certain type of music unique – it stimulates reflection while at the same time is easily resonating to one’s life.
The songs and the messages they bring, are hope, anger and disappointment from the world of today. Songs like “A Song for Sunrise” have passion with attitude and romance with rage, here are tunes that are reminiscent of Joe Strummer’s post Clash work. It reflects the tone of young people’s optimism as filtered through life experience. “Collapsing Buildings” combines rare jingle of indie guitar and meticulously restrained punk and—above all—nervousness with discipline. On the other hand, “This Heartless Land” are poetic lyrics which were put to music to tell a common story which transcends punk’s usual sound and sentiment.
Crisp new wave, punkish ‘Solid Ground,’ the last track of the EP looks new; it feels progressive. Substance is passion and the optimism of the human spirit can be felt. In general, ‘Sunrise’ is an indication of the era, so it’s a music for those who look for a new morning in a storm. This statement has been delivered by Mark Vennis and Different Place in perhaps the only way possible , brave and heartfelt.
