 You know when you see a band talking about their new album and they come out with something to the effect of 'It doesn't really matter how well the album does, all that matters is that we are really proud of it', and you think to yourself, 'Shut the fuck up, you liars - come the Thursday morning after the album's release, you'll wake up in a cold sweat muttering the words 'midweek chart' to yourselves'? Well, if I were to hear reports of Seafood spouting that very same sentiment, I'd be entirely inclined to believe them. I'd wholeheartedly believe them because, in As The Cry Flows, they have produced the finest album of the year. Yes, thanks, I know it's May. Yes, you can get back to me in December. Now stop interrupting, I've got me some justifying to be getting on with . . .
The hauntingly gorgeous mermaid shanty that is I Dreamt We Ruled The Sun serves to open proceedings, leading you rather pensively by the hand towards the open arms of the flawless Heat Walks Against Me. No Sense Of Home is like falling asleep on the bare chest of someone you are completely fucking in love with, Summer Falls laments the confusion of love's exit - "Don't ask me what the problem is, I hurt the same as you" - and Kicking The Walls is a rueful call to love from someone more than aware of their own inadequacies.
A brief change in mood is signalled by the swaggering wit and warmth of Milk And Honey, before being escorted back again to the feel of the album's first half by Sleepover, with the stark instrumental interlude of 1324 bridging the two.
Recent single Good Reason suitably lifts the pace whilst darkening the atmosphere a notch or two, the clouds of which are instantly dispersed by the wonderful Orange Rise. The heart-breaking charms of Broken Promises signal that the time to depart is fast approaching, which only leaves the mist of Willow's Song to snuff out the candles and gently close the door. As The Cry Flows is a truly astonishing album, full to overflowing with a glorious mix of light, knowing charm and dark, disarming power. Each song carries its own intricate offering, whilst at the same time playing its part in the overall tapestry of this utterly perfect release. Every single aspect, from the poetry of the lyrics to the beauty of the artwork - also produced by the band themselves - is absolutely majestic, and it deserves to be heralded as one of the best albums to be released in a long, long time.
So, yes, As The Cry Flows is my album of the year. Now go and prove me right . . . :: Philip Goodfellow |
