Sea Wolf – Get To The River Before It Runs Too Low

• 16th Apr 2008

‘You’re a Wolf’ dances on the outskirts of Peter Bjorn & John territory wearing an 1990s REM slipper on one foot and James slipper of the same vintage on the other (as SW indeed do throughout). And maybe Interpol socks too! The repetitive construct of the song and its easy flowing sound, both make this an accessible and thoroughly enjoyable track. It’s clear, concise lyrics are as engaging as they are intriguing and overall help make this track a triumph!

‘The Garden That You Planted’ and its poignant solemnity simply and sublimely sucks the wind from this EPs sweetly swelling sails (how’s that for a sentence!). The track’s fragile and heart achingly yearns throughout its hauntingly mesmeric lifespan. Reindeer Section revisited?

‘I Made a Resolution’ could’ve been written by Kris Kristofferson or any other addled country dwelling deviant. Brimming with life affirming urgency, the patient delivery allows the song to escalate appropriately and ultimately enhance an as yet superb CD. The lyrics pertain to the determination of never again writing a sad song, you know, touching upon the same defiance that any song-smith worth their salt ultimately fails to adhere to given the epic task. And yes, despite the optimism, it’s another tragedy laden track.

‘Ses Monuments’ is immediately more upbeat and echoes the likes of Clap your Hands Say Yeah and many others I’m sure. Adding an all new factor to the majestic proceedings, the keys are alive and quirky. Jeez Louise, what a band! And we’re not done yet!

‘I Don’t Know If I’ll Be Back This Time’ resounds a Field Mice song with its title rich chorus, a song that I can’t recall the title of just now, though the short-lived music differs its true, keeping with the SW sound. It’s something of a dead end track that leaves you gagging for more, more insight, more answers and hell, even more questions. Something to take away the uneasy feeling of loss it’s just left stewing in your stomach.

As far as expectations go, the chair adorning cardboard sleeve of this CD certainly stirs no immediate preconceptions. But boy does it leave you with a world of inner…seemingly subconscious empathy. If you like any of the bands I’ve mentioned in this review, you simply must get a hold of this CD for your collection, and I urge you not to hesitate.