First Impressions: “Stained Glass Window” by Sunday (1994)

The setting sun seemingly shimmers on the horizon of a guitar-soaked landscape in Sunday (1994)’s sophomore single, “Stained Glass Window,” though it could well be a flickering streetlight somewhere in the far distance. The trio channels the sonic concoctions created by the Cure, Cranberries and a slew of other 1980s- and ‘90s-era bands on the track, the followup to the similarly cinematic “Tired Boy.” That debut opened to brisk business and critical acclaim in late February thanks in part to the band’s passionate TikTok following; its sequel, released this past Friday, should do the same. It’s an addictive listen.

The lyrics unreel a story shared by many teen-themed romcoms (think Valley Girl or almost any John Hughes film). In a press release, the band explains, “‘Stained Glass Window’ is a declaration of love. A personal story about defying the ‘sinful’ label given by old texts and preachers with bad breath. ‘I took some pictures of me and you and I superglued them over scriptures, so I could worship something true’.” 

The group consists of Paige Turner, Lee Newell and Speed Racer’s older brother, Racer X. (I jest; in truth, he prefers to remain anonymous.) Turner hails from Southern California, Newell—a veteran of the Britpop revival band Viva Brother—from the London suburb of Slough, and the mysterious X apparently from 1960s’ anime. Turner and Newell, self-professed cinephiles, write the songs and, with X on hand, have shaped a sound sure to consume all who listen.

Here’s hoping they have an album on the way.