Right now I am really getting into the Sea & Cake. I don't know what it is, I have always been a fan of this band but as of right now I just can't stop listening to them. I have been on such a roll with the Sea & Cake, once I listen to one of their albums I have to listen to all of the others. That is a hard thing to do, considering you usually want to move on to a different artist after you're done with an album. That's not the case here. I really don't know why I can't stop listening to this. The music is quirky, and laid-back, but that's nothing really that special, is it?
Nassau is The Sea & Cake's sophomore album. It's the bands most rock influenced, and focused. I already mentioned that the music is laid-back and quirky, but their are a lot of other bands that can do that. What makes Nassau so special? Well It's a number of things. First off I'll mention the groovy rock influences. The opener "Nature Boy" is the best track off the album. It has an insanely groovy riff, and the song is very compelling and laid-back. Few bands can pull this off. The Sea & Cake can also move into different styles, like the second track "Parasol." After the catchy opener, this is song is soothing and reflective, with amazing melancholy vocals from Prekop. These songs can be layed back yet compelling, few bands can do this. Another thing is that Nassau shifts gears constantly, but it is still accessible and easy to listen to. Prekop can go from a riff based rocker all the way over to a reflective, melancholy suble acoustic tune. The music presented here is quite simple. The guitar riffs are basic and easy to play. Prekop and McEntrie's doubling dueling guitar playing is at its best, they are effective when playing upbeat riffs and melodies and they work great together when they play soft, twangy, blues influenced acoustic songs. While these songs are mellow and smooth, there are some definate rock influences and Nassau is The Sea & Cakes most rock influenced album.
Sam Prekops vocals are interesting. He has a high-pitched voice, it is very melodic and matches the songs well. The thing that Prekop does so well is that he never tries to go out out of his range. While most of these songs are smooth and mellow, on the more hard rocking songs Prekop sticks to what he does best. This album is when Prekop is at his best, he is smooth, quirky, and relaxing. Sometime Prekop can sound stale and dry but on Nassau he sounds refreshing and smooth. While this album is more upbeat and groovy than the Sea & Cakes others Prekop still successfully manages to keep his mellow vocal delivery, and have it mix well with Nassau.
The instruments are just as good as the vocals. The two guitars are obviously the most important aspect of Nassau. Combining to make easy, groovy melodies or sometimes playing bubblegum riffs, the guitars are very effective. On the darker, more depressing tracks the guitar licks have influences of blues and soft acoustic rock. The guitar strums are light and mellow, mixing well with the mellow nature of the album. On the more rock influenced tracks the guitars are at their best. Playing extremely catchy and jazzy riffs the music just comes to life. The rythm section is decent. The drums and bass make their contribution playing simple yet effective riffs and beats. Instrumentaly Nassau is great, there are some noticable flaws but nothing major.
Overall this is an excellent soft rock album. While Nassau isn't as mellow and soothing as the bands other releases it is more catchy and just as effective. Prekops vocals and guitar playing are very noticeable, and possibly the highlights of the album. The guitar riffs featured here are more upbeat and catchy than on other Sea & Cake albums. I really enjoy this album, while it isn't as soothing and relaxing as the bands other releases it is still a great listen. Nassau is probably the bands most accessible and groovy album, showing influences of jazz and creativity. If you haven't heard of this band and want somewhere to start any album will work. Nassau is the Sea & Cake's most upbeat and fun album, it is very easy to get into. Nassau is an excellent album, and unfortunately this album and The Sea & Cake get no credit for it. Overall Rating : 4/5
Pros: Vocals - Catchy & Upbeat - Mellow tracks - Guitar melodies
Cons: Not as smooth and mellow as the bands previous releases - Middle section is a bit boring and dull
Recommended Tracks:Nature Boy - Parasol - Earth Star
