This came out in 2003 – or at least that’s when I got it. Here’s what I said about it back then (with some minor editing):
A rich, uplifting men’s choir. A crash ’n’ bash drumbeat, a jazzy bassline and a stinging icepick guitar. And then, a man’s voice yelping, “Oh Theodore, you are the most attractive man!”
Welcome to the first minute of the first album by bizarro U.K. post-punks British Sea Power. Well, at least they know how to get your attention. And judging by the press back home, they’ve been getting plenty of it. First, apparently, for their eccentric stage show featuring militaristic uniforms and giant stuffed birds (your guess is as good as mine). Second, for their ear-grabbing sound, which updates the old-school grind ’n’ yowl of acts like Joy Division, Echo And The Bunnymen and The Cure with the spiky, post-modern mania of Interpol, mclusky and The Liars. And third for breathy one-named singer Yan’s lyrical topics, which run the gamut from historical literature to the Fear of Drowning and Apologies to Insect Life. With a three-pronged attack like that, the old guard doesn’t stand a chance. Full speed ahead, lads.
