Innocence Mission

Sun on the Square Innocence Mission Reissue edition

1999's 'Birds Of My Neighborhood' kickstarted the innocence mission as we know them today, following three albums as a quartet that drew comparisons to The Sundays and 10,000 Maniacs. But when drummer Steve Brown left, Karen Peris (guitars, piano, pump organ, accordion, voice), husband Don (guitars, drums, voice) and Mike Bitts (upright bass) forged ahead with an orchestral, at times cinematic, folk pop sound which they felt was truer to their real nature in any case, a sound rich in atmosphere, innately sad, but ultimately hopeful. Sufjan Stevens calls the innocence mission "moving and profound", adding, "What makes Karen Peris' lyrics so remarkable is the economy of words, sensory language, concrete nouns - everyday objects take on tremendous meaning." Images of nature, colour, weather, and season are continued throughout the album. "For me it's helpful to be able to see the song, if I can" Karen says. Despite her references to nature, Karen says she often hears "city scenes" in 'Sun On The Square' - part of the record's own air of mystery. Such as the title track, inspired by Astrud Gilberto,'60s folk and pop, and her "admiration for someone going

out into the world bravely and in kindness - the possibility for one person to be a light in the world. That love will prevail over fear." Love and fear, longing and loss, belief and awe - Sun On The Square is an emotional journey, and destined to find new fans for the band while re-establishing contact with those already in the fold. Either way, prepare to have your heart broken and your breath taken. Tears might fall. You have been warned.