British Sea Power
Do You Like Rock Music?

THE REVIEW

The first significant release in the British music scene of 2008 is this "Do You Like Rock Music?" by British Sea Power.

The new album is the third from the Brighton group. The band, after their well-received debut "The Decline Of British Sea Power," made a mark on British hearts and charts with the decent "Open Season," thanks also to a catchy single like "It Ended On An Oily Stage." Considered natural heirs to Joy Division, their sound seems to actually span various genres and influences.

Epic and resounding guitars, along with a sound that alternates moments of extreme catchiness with sharp and edgy sonic bursts, are characteristics of the English quartet's sonic DNA.

Preceded by a full three months with the "Krankenhaus?" e.p., the new work essentially confirms everything good the band has expressed so far.

From the brief and funereal opening with "All In It" to the unsettling and lengthy conclusion of "We Close Our Eyes," we are faced with a record that is not particularly brilliant yet remains valid, living more on its sonic output (excellent, moreover B.S.P. is considered a great live band) than on the intrinsic quality of each single track. Exceptions include works like "Lights Out For Darker Skies," which starts with a nice healthy guitar riff combined with a frantic drum roll; just when you think you've figured it all out, the track extends to over six minutes in length, showing off tempo and melody changes as if it were three or four songs in one. Also beautiful is the catchy "Waving Flags," selected for radio rotation not by chance. "No Lucifer" dangerously edges (too) close to the Editors side, making it pleasant just by the skin of its teeth; certainly, Yan's chanting interpretation doesn't help. Extremely appreciable, however, is "Canvey Island," in an emotional crescendo. "Down On The Ground," already present in "Krankenhaus?", is rather driving rock 'n roll (as is "A Trip Out" - in which the ghostly presence of Kasabian is present and felt - and "Atom," also in the aforementioned ep) which turns chaotic in the beautiful finale. The instrumental "The Great Skua" is pleasant and well-structured, the thrillsian "Open The Door" is hypermelodic; in the middle, there's a place for a claustrophobic "No Need To Cry."

Despite "Do You Like..." being a more than sufficient album, from the talented B.S.P. one frankly expected a little more.

The British year in music starts, however, more than well.