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Archived Reviews
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The first time I listened to this album & the opening "Scorch The Ground" got into its stride my first thought was "blimey, doesn't this sound like Covenant?". Not the most encouraging reaction, I trust you'll agree & even the fact that Eskil Simonssen is credited with 'additional mixing & production' doesn't account for the soundalike that this is. So similar is it, in fact, that I can't listen to it without mentally hearing Eskil's vocals on the chorus. It is a good track but Seabound are among the leaders in their field so this sort of thing really shouldn't be happening. Hereafter, however, the band's own recognisable style asserts itself more fully, starting with "The Promise" which starts off initially quite edgy, aided by some quite imaginative rhythmic effects until the uplifting chorus changes the mood completely, turning the track into a typical Seabound floorfiller a la Poisonous Friend. As the album progresses it becomes clear that this is actually their most consistent release to date with each track doing what it does in a quite superb manner; whether we're dealing with such up-tempo tracks such as "Domination" or the extended version of "Traitor" (which originally appeared on the Poisonous Friend EP), where a harder edge permeates both the music & lyrics (even if the lack of a chorus might work against the song by depriving it of any real focal point) or the more emotive tracks where Spinath's vocals again come into their own with "Sapphire" further benefitting from some fine piano & bass synth work while the spellbinding chorus that graces "Castaway" is sure to warm your cockles in the same way that Everlost did way back when. "October Song", likewise hits home with its resonant bass motifs & later some fine synth leads expertly adding to the majestically melancolic mood. "Breathe" closes the album by incorporating the duo's different musical facets into one 8-minute dose, from the melancolic opening through to the full-blooded dancey climax where the shouted vocals further add to the triumphant mood that makes for one unforgettably rousing climax. It's this musical variety that makes this an album for all seasons, rewarding repeated listenings & proving that, when it comes to writing music that is by turns emotional, exciting & dynamic then Seabound have few equals. |
