Open Season [Digipak] - British Sea Power > Reviews > British Sea Power: Open Season

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Thought-provoking
Quality and consistency of tracks	Flawless
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Good
Value for Money	Excellent

Advantages:	Memorable tunes with comprehensible and meaningful lyrics
Disadvantages:	Sonically gorgeous; musically not as clever as some

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

The second offering from a now well established British act, Open Season follows up 2003's Decline Of British Sea Power, and only broadens the wealth of talent to be found on the Rough Trade label. Drawing on influences as diverse as Echo & The Bunnymen, Doves and David Bowie, it's a solid album from start to finish.

1. It Ended On An Oily Stage: An upbeat starter, showcasing Yan's versatile voice: from a serene, almost creepy vocal in the chorus, to a more urgent growl immediately afterward. Helped by some virtuosic drumming and a yo-yo-ing guitar riff, this is a sound opener.

2. Be Gone: A catchy riff is doubled by the vocal melody until the chorus, at which point the vocals rise to a ridiculous pitch and the guitars provide an evocative backdrop. The shortest track on the record, but infectious.

3. How Will I Ever Find My Way Home?: Another driving drum beat backs up a strong verse awash with jangly guitars, and singalong atonal chorus. The bridge is propelled by bass drum and the song is wrapped up with a glorious climax of screaming guitars and vocals in just over three minutes.

4. Like A Honeycomb: Opening with organ, Byrds-esque guitar and what sounds like a whistling kettle(!), this is more subdued than the first three offerings. The verses remain quiet, but the choruses are uplifting with pounding drums and ringing guitars.

5. Please Stand Up: An anthemic chorus highlighted by a descending bassline is at the heart of this song; it defies you not to tap your feet or nod your head along to it. Another quality guitar riff implements itself in your brain; a good reason why this was the most successful single from the album.

6. North Hanging Rock: This track contains one of my favourite lyrics of recent times in 'Drape yourself in greenery/Become part of the scenery'. It's a very atmospheric track, and as such excels in its instrumentation - it is heavy in cymbals, ringing guitars and feedback. A gorgeous song.

7. To Get To Sleep: A song about sleep (or lack thereof), this track opens with a very 50's guitar sound, sonn building into another driving chorus. Probably the weakest track on the record, but still a good song.

8. Victorian Ice: Continues the 50's theme with another jangly guitar riff, coupled with chugging drum pattern and wry lyrical stance.

9. Oh Larsen B: A highlight, the epic five-and-a-half minute Larsen B is a joy for the ears to behold. Drum rhythms chop and change, syncopated basslines cross with ringing guitars. Yan's voice remains calm and yet slightly unnerving throughout.

10. The Land Beyond: A sad, hopeful, resigned, optimistic song? Make your own mind up. All I'll say is that it's another beautiful merging of strings, vocals and drums that melt on the ears.

11. True Adventures: BSP opt for an eight minute cacophony of sound to close the album. Flourishes of cymbals, guitars and strings frequently permeate the song, while the main part is occupied by Yan's almost spoken vocals, backed by distorted splats of guitar, low-mixed drums and seagull cries. A stylish end to a great album.