Seafood. I'm talking about a band, not my dinner.
I have a love-hate relationship with last fm - it cuts out all the hard work of trawling through the latest bands, but at the same time recommends utter detritus which frankly, does nothing more than offend. And since I’ve “scrobbled” my life away, I'm ever conscious that my 43 plays of "When Doves Cry" is there for the whole world to witness and judge. These feelings aside, last fm has helped me to discover one of the most underrated Britpop bands around. And for this, I am most grateful.
They're called Seafood and they are chuffing ace. Formed around 1996 in the depths of London, this snazzy group draw influence from Sonic Youth, The Lemonheads and arguably the more angsty Pavement era, and have undergone similar line up changes themselves.
As far as I'm aware they are still going, with their last release of "Paper Crown King" in 2006, but in my opinion their hey-day is shown in singles - "Easy Path", "This is Not an Exit" and "Led by Bison". Their sound is typically strained male vocals, a durge bass line and clean guitar riffs - which dare I say, is bordering on shogaze.
If you're looking for more direct comparisons - Seafood are the British pre-cursors to the likes of Jimmy Eat World, and sound like a more ballsy Lowgold - and have so much more to offer. Seafood have touring links with other British underdogs such as Jetplane Landing, and Britpop veterans Kenicke, futher confirming their cult-esque credibility.
If you like what you've heard, check out "Easy Path" as your first play - a chirpy tale of infidelity and apologies. If you like those tunes, then in true last fm style I'm recommending that you check out Kill Kenada and listen to some proper classic Idlewild (Captain EP, Hope is Important).
Good summer listening. Get it on.
