Album
British Sea Power
Do You Like Rock Music?
[Rough Trade]
Artist: British Sea Power
Released: 14 January 2008
Catalogue number: RTRADCD300
Review
by Sonja D'Cruze
04 January 2008
Resident Brightonites, British Sea Power, have never followed the crowd. Eccentric, whimsical and blessed with the freedom that an indie label and insanely loyal fan base bring, each record has defied expectations. The seafarer's third album again tests the limits of what we conceive as 'rock'.
A dark, churchlike presence runs through Do You Like Rock Music? that drags you under the pounding drums and chants. From opener "All In It" violin arrangements and touches of organ add a distinctly lush, anthemic feel to the tracks that's reminiscent of Arcade Fire. The Canadians' influence is hardly surprising. Howard Bilerman, drummer on Arcade Fire's debut Funeral, is one of the album's three producers and part of the recording schedule even took in the crazy Canadian storms, with the sound of power lines snapping under the weight of ice.
Drenched in the rousing chanting behind Yan's lush, breathy vocals on "No Lucifier", or the stunning, layered epic guitar-scapes in "Waving Flags" - there's a real cerebral sense of rock at play here. It will undoubtedly make you gawp, when you see this kind of shattering reverb live at a festival this summer.
This record is not all about Canada. Producers Graham Sutton (Jarvis Cocker, Bark Psychosis) and Efrim Menuck (Godspeed You! Black Emperor) worked alongside Bilerman and recorded in locations as varied as Cornwall and the Czech Republic. Miraculously the album comes together without any hint of discombobulation.
There is some familiar territory - "Atom" and "Down On The Ground" both appeared on the band's recent EP Krankenhaus? Yet it’s not all bombast. Repeat listens do reveal subtle, less dramatic moments on tracks such as "No Need to Cry" and "The Great Skua". Altogether it's an inventive and intriguing listen, never quite laying itself bare and all the more powerful when listened to in its entirety.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Licence. If you choose to use this review on your site please link back to this page.
James, Leeds
Have to agree with Tina, this album has re-ignited my passion in music again, just listening to the build up of track two leaves shivers down my spine!!!
Tina Somerset
The album which got me back in to music.Pure quality!
Anthony , New York City
I agree with David Owens, this album needs serious volume to unleash itself. And I agree with the others, it will carry itself into a lot of top 10 of the year lists, even on this side of the pond.
Iain, Bucks
Every few years you encounter one of those jaw-dropping albums. This simply gets better with every listening, and as you get past the more obvious No Lucifer and Waving Flags, there is more depth. True class and quality, and with a set of lyrics that justify an evening of your time in their own right.
Andy Bromsgrove
more quality tunes, from the second best current british band. Who's the best iLikETRAiNS of course !!!
Craig, Sheffield
Fantastic album - best of the year for me so far. Although disappointing to read exactly the same stuff in every review 'Waving flags festival favorite this year blah blah, "breathy" vocals , sound like arcade fire blah blah' Seen this in the independent, here, the gaurdian who is the common source?
Eddi Tonks, London
Best Yet?Maybe...
Ken, Glenrothes
This will be in my top 5 Albums of this year, no doubt whatsoever and could even be top. Its going to take something special to better it. Buy it now.
Mark and Jess Hove
Great band, get well soon Phil, all the bet for the rest of the tour...
greydad, Bolton
Any potential 'Album Of The Year' will have to be very special to match the power, grace and imaginative scope of this album. Catch them if you can on their current tour, you won't be disappointed!
David Owens, Prenton, Birkenhead
Forget sex just listen to this album LOUD. Forget the threesome the wife and her dead fit mate has promised you turn them down and just listen to all the songs they're fab. Forget beer and alcohol. No wait get your beer and alcohol and put this CD on, turn it up, pour a beer and dance around the room like a madman. It is that good it makes you mad. Just seen them in Leeds, I need to see them again; Manchester is calling.PS hope the trumpet player is ok it was quite funny though
steve petts wood
Great album - agree with Viv & Bob -
Vix & Bob, Wirral
Awesome.if you dont buy any other album this year, buy this one.You will not be disappointed.