British Sea Power
Open Season
(04/05/2005 Rough Trade Records)

There is a certain immutable truth that quirky moments define bands for people; ensuring that they forever wedge a place inthe heartlike a lost poppy dog. With British Sea Power (B.S.P.) it was a barren evening at the miniscule Liverpool Academy Three venuein 2003 on a wintry evening, as 5gathers and I all spread out to make the guysfeel like the room was fuller. However, this was unnecessary because they still decked the stage out in branches, clambered all

over the lighting scaffolds, bashed drums over each others heads and totally immersed themselves intheir love of music and performing.B.S.P.enshrinedthemselves to immortal nobility in my mind, demonstratingtruly to bea band about the music; they don’t need 2,000 people to show off in front of.

They now play to thousand plus audiences because of the success debut album; ‘The Decline Of British Sea Power’ and are now setto build on it with this Bowie, Morrissey and hint of New York Dolls flavoured follow up that is epitomised in latest single; ‘It Ended on Oily Stage’. The uplifting, brisk and powerful vocals of Yanhelp build upsome exuberant and crafted offerings, as ‘Be Gone’aptly highlights, utilising occasional choral backing to kick the number into the end zone. Clattering and twanging instrumental crescendos in numbers like the yearning ‘Will I Ever Find My Way Home?’ provides the perfect platform for Yan to fire home his passionate voice. This Brighton formed quartet is once again set tocoast to success on a wave of enthusiasm and a refreshing love of music.

www.britishseapower.co.uk

David Adair