SEA POWER – EVERYTHING WAS FOREVER
In the nineteen years since Sea Power(formerly British Sea Power) dropped their debut LP on a(mostly) unsuspecting world, the band have established themselves as alternative national treasures with a devoted following thanks to live shows that are more event than gig and ever-dependable albums.
After so long together, the band could be forgiven for treading water and delivering more of the same. There is no risk of that here and this is as good as, if not better, than their very best (being, for me, Open Season and Do You Lie Rock Music?). Indeed, Doppelganger, my highlight of this set, is quite possibly one of the best songs from Sea Power so far.
Scaring At The Sky and Fire Escape In The Sea are almost perfect examples of the gently melancholic pop that Sea Power do so well. Transmitter, Two Fingers and the aforementioned Doppelganger represent the driving, propulsive rockers at which the band excel. The Nick Cave-goes-chanson Fear Eats The Soul – sung by viola player Abi – and the duet Lakeland Echo venture in to pleasing new territories. Folly, Green Goddess and We Only Want To Make You Happy are simply joyous.
Truly independent music at its best, this album deserves your time and attention.
9/10
