British Sea Power revels in eccentricity. Everything about them is quirky, from their name, an odd reference to their country’s maritime history, to their peculiar penchant for writing musical tributes to obscure Russian and Czechoslovakian historical figures.
It’s tempting to write them off as another art-rock band that remains completely inaccessible. After all, what good is an image if there is nothing behind it? However, once the music begins, the skepticism melts;-British Sea Power’s debut, The Decline of British Sea Power, provides the necessary substance to sustain their quirks and oddities.
The band’s delicate guitar-work is reminiscent of the Edge’s pre-Joshua Tree efforts for U2. At the same time, their output has a hard-tinged, emotional energy that harkens back to the glory days of late-’70s post-punk. It’s no coincidence that these lads from Cumbria, England have often been compared to Joy Division; British Sea Power’s music is also a zealous assault of pure rock-and-roll. But perhaps the most powerful weapon in their arsenal is lead singer Yan’s voice: he sings his lyrics in haunting raspy half-whisper that gets under your skin and stays there long after you’ve finished listening.
The record quickly launches into “Apologies to Insect Life,” a three-minute wailing guitar attack propelled by furiously spastic drums. Wisely, British Sea Power tempers their initial attack with more focused output that highlights their amazing guitar and piano work. The record’s most outstanding song is “Fear of Drowning.” This track is a complex, but accessible guitar masterpiece: at times haunting, the chords are complimented by Yan’s captivating vocal delivery. “Carrion” also shines, fueled by rambunctious and uplifting guitars paired with sinister lyrics.
Of course, The Decline of British Sea Power is not perfect. Yan sometimes stumbles on his lyrics, at times sounding clumsy and pretentious.
But on the whole, this is a band that succeeds in making a true emotional connection with the listener-something all too rare in modern rock.
