Artist : The Sea and CakeAlbum : Everybody (7th Domestic LP)
Release : 05.08.07
Year Founded: 1994
Label Name : Thrill Jockey
Catalog # : 186
Packaging Type : Single-Disc Digipak
Members : Eric Claridge, John McEntire, Sam Prekop, Archer Prewitt
Runtime : 36:32
Area Tour Dates : 06.05.07 @ Paradise, BostonSound Season : Summer
iTunes Worthy Tracks : Crossing Line, Exact to Me, Left On
Sounds Like : Sam Prekop Who's Your New Professor
Rating : B
If ever The Sea and Cake put out an "it'll-grow-on-you" album, this is it.
As much as I hate to admit it, I don’t know that I ever won’t be disappointed by their future albums. My expectations are too high and they've grown too mature and sophisticated (but not too sophisticated). They have developed a knack for smooth and balmy indie soft rock, which — in its own right (if there is such a thing) — is enjoyable and well presented and crafted with all capability.
But, honestly, with every new release, I'm always hoping for a return to form à la Nassau, when everything was brash and raw and really propelled. For instance, I remember listening to Nassau for the first time and being like, "Geez, what the hell is this guy doing yelling like this," and now it has just become a signature style of the band — another part of their sound palette that just kind of gets placed into the song instead of casually tossed in when the energy of the song dictates. Additionally, except for a few choice moments, John McEntire's drumming on this record is really toned down despite not being behind the boards as he usually has been. Eric Claridge's bass isn't so heavily depended upon as it once was either, which is a real let down when you consider the genius of his performances on The Fawn.
Let's just say that albums pre The Fawn made me want to get up early, take a brisk walk and maybe not come back. Albums post The Fawn make me want to lay back in a hammock and watch the birds. You get the point.
All I really want is the true rock record that I know this band can deliver.
Don't get me wrong, there's some really great moments on this record, but they're easy to miss and quick to fade. Regardless, Everybody is the strongest of their last three albums, but only marginally more rocking than Oui and One Bedroom, contrary to what Thrill Jockey would have you think. And, yes, "Exact to Me" and "Crossing Line" are two of the coolest and groove-laden songs they’ve written over that same span, but they aren’t the triumphant return that I’ve been crossing my fingers for.
The Sea and Cake is a band that relies on nuance and subtlety and I wouldn't ever expect them to do anything too heavy-handed. And I'm completely aware it is unfair to fault a band for making a good record just because I long for a version of the band that I fell in love with more than 10 years ago. But until the time that they abandon some of their grown-up restraint, they're being too easy on themselves and their audience.
1 comment:
well written. needless to say, their intelligent verse and complicated yet seemingly flawless weaving of thier play will always keep me close. and anyone, who has been affected by thier history.
like a star wars fan has to deal with anticipation and letdown...we all still go to it simply because we still dream about lightsabers and the force. the signature of the art alone still holds us like no other artist has created. i doubt, however, that pinback will ever lose any fanbase, contrary to my analogy. ;)
pinback have made their mark in our souls and we'll always want that imprint to be the mold for the same comfort and shear quality that they bring. but we all must be open to change. for them, and for ourselves.
wonderful review, again. looking forward to more.
be great.
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