Some bands make records. Others capture the spirit of a live show and bottle it. Sunshine Wine, the debut EP from Washington D.C.’s Stephen Sol & The 7, does the latter with infectious charm. The nine-piece collective, already known for packing venues like Union Stage with their high-energy performances, translate that electricity into a five-song collection that pulses with life.
The title track sets the tone, unfolding like a golden-hour jam that begs to be sung in unison by a crowd. The horns cut through with brightness, while the layered backing vocals add warmth that feels almost communal. It’s the kind of song that doesn’t just play — it gathers people together.
The energy doesn’t mean the EP sacrifices nuance. “Forever Changed” brings the tempo down for a haunting ballad, stripping away the celebratory layers to reveal a deep vulnerability. This contrast makes the explosive highs of songs like “Spring (I Made It)” hit even harder, striking the balance between reflection and release.
What makes the record stand out is its theatrical flair. The arrangements are playful, almost cinematic, moving seamlessly between folk storytelling, alternative rock intensity, and moments of humor or surprise. It feels less like a traditional folk-rock record and more like an experience designed for the stage.
Sunshine Wine succeeds not only as a strong debut but as a promise of what’s to come. If the EP is any indication, Stephen Sol & The 7’s true power lies in how their songs live and breathe in front of an audience.
