Seagull’s third album is a slow, quiet, and meditative release that in its best moments, is subtly brilliant and emotionally resonant.
The brainchild of Melbourne’s Chris Bolton, Seagull have already released an EP and two LPs, and on Ocean From Above, turn to a more lethargic, hypnotic sound, moving away from some of the more intense moments on previous releases.
Bolton’s classically-trained guitar playing is obvious from the outset on album-opener ‘Ruby’, which builds on swirling and repetitive melodies backed by soaring and delicate vocals.
This acoustic, plucked guitar is undoubtedly the centre-piece of Ocean From Above, with Bolton’s immense talents on full display, and every other instrument, the quiet keys and the restrained drumming, merely acts to complement this sound.
‘Fading Away’ is the moment when every element comes together perfectly, with soft vocals and wistful piano accordion creating a unique and mesmerising atmosphere.
Backed by emotional lyrics surrounding a farmer’s wife talking to her baby, and Ruby Fiedler’s added backing vocals which contribute another much needed layer, the song is charming and entrancing.
‘Unclaimed Luggage’ is the only moment on the album that comes close to being upbeat, with prominent drumming from Kishore Ryan of Kid Sam fame, and the song builds steadily across the five minutes, but like so many other moments on the record, doesn’t end up fully delivering on the potential that it obviously displays.
Ocean From Above doesn’t demand attention from the listener, but its charm lies in carefully and politely nudging and poking you to listen in at certain moments, leading to many worthwhile moments across the 40-plus minutes.
