Review Summary: Feeling down, feeling cold? This will put you in a super cheery mood and make you look like you're glowing.
It's not cold in seabearia! states the headline of the bands myspace. And it really isn't. This album has been the first album in an extremely long time that can put a smile on my face the first second of "Good morning scarecrow" starts. And it will keep that happy face on for those 40 or so minutes (I don't know how long this album is, hell, I don't know how long any album is, the length isn't a point for this album anyway).
Seabear is an indie/folk band from Reykjavik, Iceland. It started off as the solo project of Sindri Sigfússon, but as time went on, 6 more people joined, Örn Ingi, Guggý, Inga, Kjartan, Dóri, and Sóley. Forgive me, for I do not know their last names (you could probably find them though). Although from Iceland, these guys sing in English only, unlike Sigur Ros (also from Iceland), who sing primarily in Icelandic (and Hopelandic).
Everyone in Seabear is a multi-instrumentalist I believe. You'll here many instruments on this album. Along to the standard instruments of any band, an acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass, keyboards, and drums, they also have a person dedicated to fiddle, a person to trumpet, and on some songs, a few members put them down to play a harmonica. This allows a very dynamic sound to flow throughout, and brings to your ears some very beautiful harmonies and melodies. This makes their sound truly unique, something you do not want to miss if you are interested into indie or folk music.
Even with so many instruments, no one is left behind droning in the back. Everyone is up front and does not disappoint with their respective chances to shine. The lyrics aren't so loud that they take over songs and take away the depth of the instruments back them from behind. In my personal favorite song on the album, "Arms," everyone is up front playing a beautiful rhythm section while the fiddle plays the lead of the whole song, not disappointing at all and creating a beautiful a lead that flows into your ears like candy would flow into your mouth. In no time, you'll find yourself tapping along to the beat, humming along with the lyrics, and find yourself with the widest smile on your face.
The vocalist and lyrics themselves are also very beautiful. The vocalist (Sindri Sigfússon) has a very beautiful calm voice, but his voice will get in your soul and warm it up altogether. Even though some of the songs are melancholic in what the lyrics mean, the music and voice behind it still gives you hope. Such as the song "Arms," which I interpret it as you trying your hardest to keep someone around even though you know you can't.
left your black gloves on my table
left your dark horse in the stable
thinking of a way to get you to stay
and i'll promise to
fight the wind and wait for you
i'm an owl with tired eyes
i'm a scarecrow in disguise
All in all, this is a very fantastic album, I'd recommend this to anyone who is a fan of indie and folk, and quite a surprise from such a band that most of the population doesn't know about. I hate to throw out terms like "under-rated" or "gem," but I really do feel it's necessary to throw out the terms for this album, it truly is a gem. This is an album that will receive constant play on those lonely winter nights, because even if everything around you is cold and lonely, this album will make you feel happy and warm.
Recommended Tracks
Arms
I Sing I Swim
Cat Piano
