Choppy and risque BSP are not.
British Sea Power are renowned for their never ending touring and extravagant stage shows, but I guess when your music is this generic you need it just as Britney Spears needs short skirts and school girl outfits. Though whilst I say that, I must give these lads from Brighton a round of applause for possibly the wittiest press release I have ever read. It's around track 3 'How Will I Ever Find My Way Home?' where this CD picks up and lives up to the hype. It's a fun fast paced, guitar thundering, Brit pop wonder, which is sure to be a live favourite. One noticeable thing about this band is the fact that their singer Yan, has not only one of the best names I have come across, but also a really bewitching voice. If The Shins were to suddenly become British, I ascertain they would sound like this band. 'Please Stand Up' is an oddly appealing number, I even sense a hint of influence from Morrisey and Chas and Dave (what, you thought the Libertines were the only band to want to sound like 'em?) It has an all around eighties feel- swirling twangy guitars and soft drumming all add to this all around dream like affair.
'North Hanging Rock' adds a slightly more melodic element to this bands music, its seemingly darker, hushed tones and gently strummed guitars evoke a mental picture of a man singing a lullaby and the piano elements could send even the most cynical critic into a mushy mood for hours. Yes it's slow and a bit samey, but in this genre it's as good as this kind of song gets. 'To Go to Sleep' is another fun little number that may just give fans of the Coral and The Flaming Lips a treat, coming over all Libertines-esque on the guitars and lightly pounded consistent drums but Yans' voice still dominates. 'Victorian Ice' is in the same vein as the previous track, it's a finger-snapping tune that all the hipsters and all the elitists will love because they could certainly maintain their air of cool snobbery whilst listening to this. For the rest of us non-NME reading commoners, it's a pretty decent tune to listen to as well. 'Oh Larsen B' has a wonderful intro and for a second I question whether I'm being tricked into liking this song but I'm wrong- it's another catchy indie rock hit which doesn't really push the boundaries.
Throughout this CD I feel something is lacking. It's the chemistry that the Libertines had that made them fun to listen to for indie rock fans, the last two tracks on the album here are very dull and not really worth mentioning as they showcase exactly what this band shouldn't be doing fading by into the background. This band could be very good, but the CD mostly shows that British Sea Power are just growing greener with the scenery, a dangerous thing to do when every other band in Britain is doing the same thing.