Sunflower Bean's 'Champagne Taste': A Defiant Anthem for Reinvention

Sunflower Bean's new single "Champagne Taste" signals an exhilarating return for the New York-based rock trio, offering a tantalising preview of their forthcoming album Mortal Primetime (out this April). The track is an explosive mix of feral guitar riffs, blistering power chords, and bassist/vocalist Julia Cumming’s raw, commanding delivery. With its unrelenting energy, "Champagne Taste" is as much a rallying cry for perseverance as it is a testament to the band’s resilience during their most challenging chapter yet.
The song draws its name from a long-time alias the band used for secret shows, adding an extra layer of intimacy for fans who’ve followed their journey. But the fiery determination in the music and lyrics cements its power. It’s about fighting forward after hitting rock bottom—a theme that resonates throughout the album. Cumming channels a mix of gritty defiance and Iggy Pop-inspired swagger, capturing a moment that’s as personal as it is cathartic.
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Accompanied by a chaotic, electric video directed by Isaac Roberts, "Champagne Taste" brims with the raw intensity that defines Sunflower Bean’s legendary live performances. It’s no wonder they’ve graced stages at Glastonbury, Lollapalooza, and alongside icons like Beck and Interpol.

If this track is any indication, Mortal Primetime promises to be Sunflower Bean’s most vulnerable and ambitious project. Self-produced and recorded live to preserve the band’s unvarnished energy, the album reflects their deepened artistry. From Cumming’s reflective lyricism inspired by personal heartbreak to drummer Olive Faber’s experiences of transformation, Mortal Primetime embodies the idea of claiming your moment despite the chaos.
With Caesar Edmunds (The Killers) and Sarah Tudzin (Illuminati Hotties) contributing their expertise, Mortal Primetime stands poised to be both a bold statement and a celebration of the band’s decade-long evolution. Sunflower Bean reminds us that fighting to create something real is worth every second.