The Glory Sea are a band made to fill a dance floor. Many of their songs are energetic, catchy and clever, while others are written for a late night slow dance. In their second EP, My Own Soul, the band have injected the same passion they emit during their live shows into a seven track album that'll make a mark on your Last.fm stats.
While more rock than their first disc, and absent the cowbell, My Own Soul presents as a polished blend of fun and fast dance tracks and songs to fall asleep to. The EP features brand new indy-rock tunes such as 'Skin and Bones', which runs at pace with a loud glam rock feel, and 'Runaways' which provides a sweet acoustic juxtaposition. There are some solid fan favourites also title track 'My Own Soul' and the sing-along 'Stop Breathing'.
My Own Soul isn't so much an improvement on the Glory Sea's first EP as it is a complement. It accentuates a heavier style and some wonderfully elaborate musicianship, yet it sometimes misses the catchy simplicity of their earlier sound. Nevertheless, driven by Joel Greatbatch's distinctive vocals and a full guitar sound, this album will be well-received by GSFs (Glory Sea fans, not the other thing), while appealing to a range of tastes - from pop music lovers through to discriminating alternative music aficionados.
Four thumbs up.
Like all good rock bands, The Glory Sea is an Auckland four piece that specialise in melodic, affecting, ambitious rock and roll. They write and perform creative anthems, beautiful ballads and hummable pop rock that's broad in its appeal as much as its likeability.
Like The Smashing Pumpkins and The Arcade Fire setting sail on the ocean of The Cure to reach the island of U2, The Glory Sea have a sound that isn't afraid to reach for the sublime, all without losing the essence of a simple and enjoyable song.
The Glory Sea have now disbanded.