The fantastical lead single from Seabear’s sophomore album, We Built a Fire, features percussion sprinkled like fairy dust amidst soaring brass and cheerful violins. Frankly, the fact that it was recorded in an Icelandic basement studio with apple carton-covered walls makes me love it even more. How can something so otherworldly, in actuality, be so grounded?
The septet’s storybook take on indie folk reminds me of my childhood: simplistic and playful. Yet, Seabear boasts very complex instrumentation. It takes finesse and restraint to make multi-layered music sound this…easy. Color me impressed.
I’m very much looking forward to the collective’s upcoming release. We Built a Fire will be out in March 2010 on Morr Music.