With its warped guitar riff, intense percussion and wounded sparrow vocals, The Artificial Sea have made an early bid to become the Portishead of the 21st Century with their song 'Gloryhole'. It's an excellent dramatic start; made all the more special by the fact that this New York duo are a humble, self-produced act. The ambition and scope of their oeuvre is there for all to see, however and even though 'Gloryhole' is probably their best song, the remainder of 'City Island' is full of edgy, dark melody. A throbbing bassline makes 'The Light Of 1,000 Televisions' a slick, jazzy delight, 'Tunnel Vision' is mournful and moving whilst the sinister and subtle 'Ride This Thing' bears close resemblance to the Cranes. Another highpoint is 'Things We Spent' where they manage to produce a tender, teary love song made all the more unusual by wonky instrumentation and an almost classical tune. This is sterling, stirring and imaginative music that deserves a much higher profile.
With its warped guitar riff, intense percussion and wounded sparrow vocals, The Artificial Sea have made an early bid to become the Portishead of the 21st Century with their song 'Gloryhole'. It's an excellent dramatic start; made all the more special by the fact that this New York duo are a humble, self-produced act. The ambition and scope of their oeuvre is there for all to see, however and even though 'Gloryhole' is probably their best song, the remainder of 'City Island' is full of edgy, dark melody. A throbbing bassline makes 'The Light Of 1,000 Televisions' a slick, jazzy delight, 'Tunnel Vision' is mournful and moving whilst the sinister and subtle 'Ride This Thing' bears close resemblance to the Cranes. Another highpoint is 'Things We Spent' where they manage to produce a tender, teary love song made all the more unusual by wonky instrumentation and an almost classical tune. This is sterling, stirring and imaginative music that deserves a much higher profile.
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