Seefeel – Seefeel (Warp) LP
January 29, 2011 at 9:09 pm 6 comments
Seefeel - Seefeel
Well, here it is – the new, self-titled album from re-formed UK post-rock legends Seefeel, featuring a new version of the single “Faults”, as well as the widely-circulated MP3 preview “Dead Guitars”. The advance buzz created by those tracks suggested that Seefeel would either be absolutely phenomenal or a little bit samey. Both tracks implied a new formula at work, mixing slow-motion cyber dub riddims with viciously granulated guitar textures and over-modulated bass charges. A fantastic formula – one that produced thrillingly original and eerily beautiful music – but a formula, all the same.
The full album doesn’t entirely dispel the fears of samey-ness but it does allow listeners to see and hear this formula in its correct context. As with Oval’s O, the limited sound palette may prevent this album from gaining immediate classic status but – frankly – there’s nothing else standing in the way. Aside from anything, the material here is incredibly strong, with Sarah Peacock’s wraith-like (but in no way insubstantial) vocal melodies branding a number of songs indelibly on the listener’s memory.
Perhaps more to the point, Seefeel also features a number of drum-free abstract passages that lend a palpable sense of dynamism to the overall work, preventing any hint of monotony from ever setting in. In fact, this album is probably more varied than the band’s classic debut, Quique, which similarly explored a specific set of processed guitar textures over the length of an entire album. Clearly, this new record is simply an example of Seefeel doing what Seefeel does best. And tracks like “Rip-Run” are as good as anything the band has ever released.
Spoiler alert: there’s very little chance, even at this early stage, that Seefeel won’t be in Bubblegum Cage III’s top ten albums of 2011. It’s that good.
The official release date seems to be January 31st, when you should be able to buy it from Boomkat.
Entry filed under: electronica, MP3s, post-rock, reviews, UK post-rock. Tags: electronica, MP3s, post-rock, reviews, UK post-rock.
Bubblegum Cage III 
1.
optimistic_tour | January 29, 2011 at 11:31 pm
Love the spoiler alert. I’m certainly ready to be revisiting it in December and thinking how quickly we were spoiled with such an album. I honestly thought it would take much longer than this, from the moment Faults dropped and we found out that there was, in fact, more on the way. I thought, at this rate, “on the way” could be a year or two off.
I think I’ll have to write up a lil something myself, this album is so good. My only problem with it is that I feel compelled to hear the whole thing so I haven’t listened as much as I could – only when I have an uninterrupted hour!
2.
Biggie Samuels | January 29, 2011 at 11:37 pm
I know what you mean. Even though it has great individual songs, it really is an all-or-nothing experience. Something you have to commit to; immerse yourself in.
Actually, I listened to a bit of it last night, with a migraine coming on and all that digitally modulated feedback does not agree with a headache. I guess I’m saying you have to be in the mood to really get into it.
But I’m NOT saying it’s at all inaccessible. Some people I’ve spoken with have acted like the new material is some leap into extremity and abstraction but I don’t see that at all. In fact, I think “Faults” is the catchiest thing they’ve ever done.
3.
b_neptune | January 30, 2011 at 5:36 pm
Just listened today, with no expectations. Way better than the letdown that Ch-Vox was at the time. Downright enjoyable. Welcome back Seefeel! Recommended!
4.
millie | January 31, 2011 at 7:15 pm
Likewise. Really intense but deep listen. Really i would expect nothing less from such a great band (though i have to admit that when they first announced a new album i shuddered a little thinking it might be pale). Its wonderful. Takes me me to places i love and at times sends shivers through me!
5.
Biggie Samuels | February 1, 2011 at 6:39 pm
Hmmm… I notice that Boomkat still says the vinyl is “out of stock”. Anyone got any insight into if, when and where it will become available?
6.
Mowgle | February 18, 2012 at 8:15 pm
I have been falling in love with music that feels like places, or creatures… or both at once. This album might give me a case of synesthesia. thanks for the review, hope i can share something with you