Chat Pile’s 2022 debut album God’s Country was a fully realized statement from the Oklahoma-based sludge-metal band. Known for their heavy guitars and mid-tempo rhythms, the group crafted a sound that echoed the gritty, often violent reality of their home state. Lead vocalist Raygun Busch’s raw delivery drew from real-world issues, offering a visceral commentary on American life. Since then, the band has explored a range of styles, from experimental tape releases like Blood at Night to collaborations with finger-style guitarist Hayden Pedigo on In the Earth Again, hinting at a broader musical evolution. Their 2024 album Who Loves the Sun marks a shift toward a brighter, more accessible alt-rock sound. Tracks like Funny Man showcase a newfound appreciation for jangly, XTC-inspired guitar riffs, while the album’s structure feels more dynamic compared to earlier works like God’s Country and Cool World. The guitars are twangier, the vocal hooks catchier, and Busch’s lyrics move from depictions of real-world violence to more abstract themes, such as the numbness brought on by constant exposure to horror—captured in the line “Scrolling past the screaming” from Influence. This thematic shift is reflected in the album’s approachability, with tracks like Intruder blending sprightly grooves, melodic choruses, and rubbery guitar solos to deliver Busch’s most chilling allegory for systemic violence. The album also displays a pleasing eclecticism, ranging from the trip-hop influenced Same Rules to the swinging post-rock of Shrine. These varied styles suggest a band exploring new sonic territory. However, the overall direction feels like a softening of their earlier, more abrasive sound, which some may find disappointing. Earlier projects like the film score Tenkiller hinted at a more avant-garde potential, sometimes evoking the dramatic intensity of Scott Walker’s Bish Bosch. Similarly, the melancholic singer-songwriter tracks on In the Earth Again suggested deeper emotional layers that weren’t fully explored here. Despite these missed opportunities, Who Loves the Sun still offers enough promise to renew faith in Chat Pile’s potential. The band remains caught between their debut’s raw energy and a more distinctive identity, but with this album, they’ve taken a step closer to finding their unique voice.