30/07/20
Through raw and honest lyricism, Sea Girls’ debut album Open Up Your Head beautifully conveys the universal process of a break-up. The album features a mix of heavier rock-influenced songs as well as more gentle, stripped-back tracks. It kicks off with ‘Transplant’, its powerful refrain setting the album off nicely with its high-energy feel. ‘Lie to me’ in the middle of the album serves as a catharsis, the raw vocals revealing the vulnerability that comes from being in a relationship.
For me, their best track still remains ‘Ready for More’. The joyous indie sound throughout combined with the upbeat chorus is a positive message amongst the more melancholy, reflective tones of the album. ‘Weight in Gold’ also reminds us to slow down and ‘take our precious time’, potent at this uncertain time.
Whilst the album is lengthy, this running time not only echoes the drawn-out process of a break-up, but also allows us to gain an in-depth insight into Sea Girls. However, the subject-matter throughout the album remains overly consistent and I would have appreciated more variation in their sound. Overall, Open up your head will not disappoint fans who have waited a long time for their debut album.
7/10