The Waterboys
This Is The Sea

THE REVIEW

The Waterboys are a British folk rock group. They were founded by Mike Scott in 1983. The band's name has a curious history: it comes from a line in the song "Berlin" by Lou Reed, for whom Mike Scott himself has deep admiration.

But the group's history begins a few years earlier, precisely when in 1978 Mike Scott played with John Caldwell in Edinburgh in a band called Another Pretty Face. This was the beginning of Mike Scott's career. After many concerts, Mike Scott was joined by Anthony Thistlethwaite, a great saxophonist, and the drummer Kevin Wilkinson. Together they recorded several singles, including ‘A Girl Called Johnny’, and this single marked the first appearance of the name Waterboys. In the band's first live performance, which was newly formed, Norman Rodger joined on bass, Karl Wallinger on keyboards, and Preston Heyman on drums. The first album was released, and at the first overseas concert, specifically in Frankfurt, Germany, the trumpeter Roddy Lorimer and backing vocalist Eddi Reader joined the group.

During their long history, the group has gone through two different musical seasons: the first decidedly more rock, openly inspired by Bruce Springsteen and Patti Smith, and the second with more folk influences, drawing inspiration from Ireland and especially Van Morrison. On several occasions, Mike Scott has called Morrison a genius, whom he has always admired. But during their career, the Waterboys also created a particular, unique sound.

The period leading up to ‘This Is The Sea’ saw significant changes within the group. The most important was Karl Wallinger's departure from the band, and in his place, the violinist Steve Wickam joined the group.

Recording of the album began in 1985 at Park Gates Studio, and later in other studios in London. Mike Scott was very confident in his new project, and for the occasion, there would be a special guest. The band had the honor of having Sinead O'Connor as a backing vocalist on the album, whom Mike Scott knew very well. The violin parts were entrusted to the band's new violinist, Steve Wickam, who would remain with the group for a long time.

The album begins with a song that would become a classic for the group. Often performed to open concerts, it is one of the most beautiful tracks in the band's entire career. ‘Don't Bang The Drum’ has an intro of sax and violins that suddenly pause to make way for the drums and guitar. A thrilling track, with sax always in the foreground. With Mike Scott giving a touch of class to the piece with his voice. The chorus is beautiful, where Scott best expresses his abilities as a singer. The song was written by Mike Scott himself. ‘The Whole Of The Moon’ brings back the calm. Even in this case, strings and sax are always prominent. ‘Medicin Bow’ expresses the band's skill and synergy in the recording studio, one of the most beautiful pieces on the album. ‘Old England’ describes the England of the past, with its culture, customs, mores, and ancient traditions. ‘Be My Enemy’ is the piece Mike Scott prefers, he has always had a particular focus on this song in many interviews. The album closes with ‘This Is The Sea’, another iconic song of the group, with classic folk instruments in the foreground. A truly beautiful track.

This is an excellent, vibrant album, with Mike Scott in a state of grace throughout the album's duration. It encompasses many genres, from hard rock to jazz, to blues; a winning blend of genres. As is the band's music from that period, inspired by Patti Smith and Lou Reed. Later, with the next album, the sound would become more folk with more use of acoustic guitar. A reissue of ‘This Is The Sea’ has recently been released, with bonus tracks, but the original album is something else.

In this album, the Waterboys managed to express the best of their abilities, blending different genres, yet maintaining the group's original sound. A rock with unique folk influences, indeed it was the best band of the eighties for this genre. Even today, it manages to be music that is never predictable, splendid.