The Decline of British Sea Power

by

British Sea Power

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This is a strong debut album. Yet all of the egregious hype it has received is only going to bring about unrealistic expectations from DJs and listeners that could, ultimately, hurt the band. Since I first heard of this group, I've read reviews comparing them to Joy Division, The Pixies, Radiohead, David Bowie and a host of other innovative luminaries. In reality, British Sea Power offer raspy tenor-baritone vocals over fairly typical stadium guitar rock. They do what they do very well and convincingly, especially when they avoid lengthy jams like the one at the end of "Lately". But they haven't reinvented the wheel with this one. Apart from a few tunes that have a lighter touch augmented by piano, synth, effect pedals, and backing vocals that sound like a male choir, the bulk of this album consists of the kind of indie guitar rock that's been recorded throughout the 90s in Britain. I'm reminded of Suede, the Super Furry Animals (w/o the electronic element), the Manic Street Preachers, and Crispy Ambulance.

British Sea Power may not really be "THE NEXT BIG THING!!!", but they've got a solid record here.