seacow - steller has gone

Seacow

Steller Has Gone
self-released; 2013

3.5 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

Seacow is a three-piece hailing from Pembrokeshire, West Wales and recently released an EP entitled Steller Has Gone to showcase what people can expect from their upcoming album. I took a listen and I expect good things to come from this band. They have a shoegaze, indie vibe that is comparable to Yo La Tengo, Tapes N Tapes and Sparklehorse. On this four-song EP they effectively showcase their diverse capabilities.

The first song up is “Spring,” which relies on melancholy as well as tranquility. That chose to forgo any percussion in favor of atmosphere. The song starts off simply enough with a lone guitar that starts getting engulfed with ethereal pads of warmth. It’s soft and subtle but creates a very seductive canvas. An electric guitar is introduced which doesn't feel jarring. The vocal work is excellent as Martin Solomon sings barely above a whisper. He has a very comforting voice that I would think most people would enjoy.

The second song “Fixer” is the most straightforward indie rock song of the four. It’s nothing too out of the ordinary but still a very solid song. Seacow sounds more like a traditional band on this one as it introduces a standard lineup of bass, drums and guitar. “Dan Beard Threw His Men Away” is more of a transition piece than a song. For 42 seconds you get the sound of a simple organ. They end the EP with “Man My Tee,” which utilizes distant guitars, warbly synths and percussion as Solomon sounds similar to Mark Linkous of Sparklehorse.

Steller Has Gone is a sampler that shows a lot of promise from the band. I’m interested to see how their upcoming full-length sounds. 

Become A Fan

bandcamp