I recently discovered these guys and their music started to grow on me. Then I found out that they are now no more. That's disappointing, but I'm highlighting them here because not only is their music good, but the band still lives on spiritually as Sea Monster. As such, official info is hard to come by. They're not on Wikipedia and their website hasn't been updated since last July. I do know they're from New York, though. Anyway, last summer they released three EPs of three songs each, which were apparently their last work before becoming Sea Monster. I'll be reviewing them today and if you like what you hear, then you might want to check out Sea Monster. They have a brand new EP out (new as in last week) and you can download it for free on the band's website.
Members:
- DL Tashjian - vocals, guitar
- Jared O'Connell - rhodes, synth, organ
- John Carnes - bass
- Louie Glaser - drums
- Garrett Ienner - guitars
Discography:
- R.E.S.T. (2006)
- Now We All Have Horns (2007)
- Be Mine EP (2009)
- Restaurant Airport EP (2009)
- Sunshine State EP (2009)
1. "Century at Heart"- This reminds me of the Beatles somehow. I don't know, it's a pretty catchy song I guess. Not bad, but not terribly memorable.
2. "For a While"- Something sounds... dark about this one. It's light, but somehow creepy. Maybe it's just me, but something seems off in an eerie way. The lyrics are almost whispered. Nice percussion, though.
3. "In Dreams"- I see where the name of the song comes from. It's a bit of a dreamy song. It's also a bit of a boring song.
So overall, not the strongest mini-album. Kind of depressing.
1. "Motorcycle"- I can tell this album is already very different. It's got an electronic vibe opening up. Are they sure they're not from England? They've got a really British sound to them. I really like this one a lot. It's edgier than the stuff on the previous CD while maintaining a lightness about it.
2. "Get It Off"- Oh yeah, this EP is already vastly better. This reminds me of something like Kings of Leon. Nice upbeat tune, with a strange warbly guitar riff throughout. Both the instrumentals and vocals are enjoyable in this one.
3. "Surprise"- I don't know how to describe it. It's just... good. It's slower than the other two, but remains pretty upbeat, unlike the Be Mine tracks. Nice ending.
Much better than Restaurant Airport.
1. "Bigger Lies"- This song reminds me of something. I can't place it, but I think it has something to do with the vocals. Not sure exactly what it is it reminds me of. It's got a little bit of a folk-y vibe to it. Fleet Foxes maybe? Perhaps a bit.
2. "Animal Magnetism"- Not a bad song, though, a bit too repetitive for my tastes.
3. "Honeycomb Shrinking"- Odd name, good song. This is probably one of, if not the, best song on all three of these albums. It's happy, catchy, upbeat, and all around good. Although I'm not sure it's actually all that joyous a song if you listen to the lyrics, but still.
Pretty good overall, I'd say.
So, overall, I'd say that Restaurant Airport is the strongest album of the three. Sunshine State is not bad either, though. You can actually download all three albums for free on the band's old website, so why the hell not get them all? The band's got a pretty varying sound that's overall pretty light. I'd look into them if you're into that kind of thing. Of course, I'd get these three albums first to test the water.
hello. i have been recording as seamonster since 2005, and your link posts to my bandcamp. i am not affiliated with the band you are writing about at all. just a heads up. so if you like the seamonster you are linking to above, it is my music and not these dudes. thanks. todd/seamonster
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