Although they’ve been around since the mid ‘90s, Seafood hasn’t as yet attracted the indie acclaim accorded many of their peers. That could change with the release of Paper Crown King, thanks in part to a majestic sweep that adds new urgency to their anthemic outreach. On the surface, Seafood echoes the righteous indignation of U2 and the arched, overcast musings of Coldplay, but fortunately they’ve managed to avoid being typecast by adding melody and nuance to their angst and fury. The subtle ache and quiet drift of “Awkward Ghost” give a more personal perspective to their introspective ruminations. “Little Pieces” finds the determination intact, but it derives its appeal from a supple arrangement rather than superficial grandstanding. “Signal Sparks” opts for a slow build, allowing its veracity to slowly take root instead of spewing forth in an all-out convulsion. The emotional resonance likely stems from lead singer David Line’s recent bout with a collapsed lung and the ten months he spent in recovery. “You were right love, life is such a joke/Wish that I could laugh as it pulls me and it punches and it chokes,” he wails on “Disappear.” The result is a compelling piece of music and the best serving of Seafood yet.
~ Lee Zimmerman
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