Second album from indie-rock six piece.
Nottingham six piece return with their second album 'On Fire, With Love', an album which has been two years in the making. Now signed to their own label 'A is For Artist' the band set out to return to their folk roots and initially planned to record a double album. After realising this ambitious idea might be slightly beyond their grasp at this stage the band instead attempted an album with the noise of their debut and the softer folk heart of their newest songs. I will admit I initially approached this review with some trepidation, remembering seeing Seachange live four years ago and finding them adequate but unremarkable. This album came as something of a pleasant surprise then, as it illustrates how much Seachange have grown over the last few years.
Opening with the mid-tempo 'Annie, Tacoma', a ballad of guitar fuzz and heartfelt lyrics, this song is subtle but manages to work its charms after a few listens. Not the most immediate of openers but one which helps to build a steady foundation for what is to follow.'Anti-Story' is a soft, acoustic song which deftly indicates the band's folk influence. The sparse, understated music showcases the lyrics and maturity at the centre of the song.
Taking a few songs to find its groove this album is worthy of a little perseverance from its listener. Songs like the blissful 'In' where the vocalist sounds like a more focused and relaxed version of The Libertines-era Pete Doherty, sees stream of consciousness lyrics which namedrops Spacemen 3 and Stephen Malkmus, and refers to seeing Raphael at the National Gallery. This song alone defines the intelligent core behind Seachange's songs, and the softer edge to many makes the lyrics more apparent. This album keeps its strongest songs for last, with the likes of 'Christmas Letters' and the punchy 'Youth and Art' showing the skilled musicians at work here, where the catchy guitar sound is both distinctive and strong without becoming predictable or detracting from the vocals.
Seachange may take a little while to win you over, but it's worth investing the time it takes for their promise to be revealed, as when it is you'll wish you'd paid attention to them a great deal sooner.