Seabird - Rocks to Rivers
Record Label: Credential Recordings
Release Date: Dec. 15, 2009
Fans of intricate indie rock aren't going to find many reasons to embrace Rocks Into Rivers, the new full-length from Cincinati's Seabird, but those that enjoy piano-fueled pop-rock should find armfuls of reasons to relish the disc. While their brand of Brit-influenced hook-laden rock isn't terribly original, it's hard to find fault with any of it. As equally compelling as Til We See the Shore, Rocks to Rivers picks up where that disc left off but makes an even bigger splash.
Lead single and catchy opener "Don't You Know You're Beautiful," has loads of grace and charm, while the rousing crescendo of "Sing to Save My Life," is another memorable turn. Of the album's first half, the sun-drenched "Believe Me," and the danceable "Baby I'm In Love," are also worth separating from the lot. True to their Christian roots, Morgan does allude to spiritual themes, most notably on "Trust," and "The Good King," but aside from a select verse or two, there's not a whole lot that's preachy or worship-based here.
The album's second half moves away from the mid-tempo structures and tackles balladry with an ease and efficiency that struggling musicians should take note of. With the exception of the explosive "This Road," all of the songs are brooding, gauzy numbers that drip with sentimentality, drama and passion. Of the six the all-too-brief "The Sound of You and I," is a definite head-turner, while the impassioned "This Ain't Home," and "Don't Change a Thing," are proof positive of the band's collective abilities.
Vocalist Aaron Morgan's reedy timbre anchors much of the work and without him the aforementioned accolades might never come to the surface. He has the kind of command and vocal kinesis that could make even the most boring of songs compelling. From start to finish, Rocks Into Rivers is an impressive, commercially viable collection that's harmless, skillfully executed and utterly comfortable. Backed by pristine production and lush arrangements, this is an earnest, reflective effort that should most certainly garner more fans.
Saw them open for David Crowder Band a few weeks ago. Pretty solid live, but I felt like they were really tryin to sound like The Fray too much at times. Either way, they're a decent band.
It seems like a lot of people are calling their likeness to The Fray as a pitfall, but if anything that makes me want to check them out more. I'm a sucker for some good piano rock and probably always will be.
Good friends of mine! (They go to my church) Great to see this reviewed though, definitely makes me feel like great music is finally making it abroad from the local scene. And not the typical metal and pop punk stuff that dominates the Cincinnati music scene.
It seems like a lot of people are calling their likeness to The Fray as a pitfall, but if anything that makes me want to check them out more. I'm a sucker for some good piano rock and probably always will be.
It seems like a lot of people are calling their likeness to The Fray as a pitfall, but if anything that makes me want to check them out more. I'm a sucker for some good piano rock and probably always will be.
It seems like a lot of people are calling their likeness to The Fray as a pitfall, but if anything that makes me want to check them out more. I'm a sucker for some good piano rock and probably always will be.
I'm also usually a sucker for some good piano rock... although the new Fray album didn't do anything for me like the old one did. Been hearing about these guys and even saw part of their set at Cornerstone this year although it didn't stand out that much to me... will definitely give this album a fair shot, though.
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