The Sea & Cake have returned from a four year hiatus to record Everybody. Made up of Sam Prekop, Archer Prewitt, John McEntire and Erik Claridge this was originally a post-rock supergroup. But you’d never guess that by listening to this album. Prekop has mentioned that this is “the most straight ahead” record they’ve made and, in fact, “a rock album”. And maybe this is the biggest disappointment.

Stripping things back like this and removing the more intricate developments of sound previously employed really unravel The Sea & Cake. McEntire’s drumming has very rarely been as underused as this, it’s so laid back as to be horizontal. Each song feels as though it seamlessly segues into the next, the soft rock, jazz-esque meanderings of the music wash over you and although it’s not an unpleasant experience, it’s just not all that involving either. Prekop’s hushed vocals wouldn’t trouble the neighbours whilst the guitars, the highlight of this record actually, are intricately woven and delicately played. At times the record feels very similar to the mighty American Analog Set but with vocals, the gentle rhythms rarely rise above walking pace. The one true stand out track is Left On. This broods and crackles with guitars and really does sound like Tortoise at their best, the simplicity of the idea augmented by its embellishment and use of instruments to do this. Crossing Line has this feel also, the guitars fuzzed up, the pace increased and in an alternate world this would fill dance floors with its funky squirm. It’s just a shame that the majority of the other tracks here lack this direction, it’s just a little too pedestrian, for my tastes, at least.

Ditching what makes you great can always be a risky business. There’s plenty to be said for changing the mix a bit and developing your sound, but here it just sounds like The Sea & Cake have regressed, and we all know that evolution is good for a reason. Right?
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Links
The Sea & Cake [official site] [myspace]