BRITISH SEA POWER – Do You Like Rock Music?
release date: Feb 12, 2008

Do you like rock music? Then you'll love British Sea Power. This eccentric band is definitely British, but their only apparent connection to sea power is the military uniforms they wear during their live shows. They decorate the stage with stuffed birds, sing about their love of nature, and go by one-name aliases. Their music is also a bit enigmatic, combining raucous post-punk anthems and smoldering, atmospheric tunes. They write songs about historical events and geographical locations you've ever heard of – songs that make you want to stomp your feet. And the voice of frontman Yan is unique – strong but breathy, cool but creepy.

British Sea Power's third release contains the best elements of their previous two: it's (almost) as loud and riotous as their debut, The Decline of British Sea Power, and as sweet and melodic as the follow-up, Open Season. Do You Like Rock Music? is bookended by a couple of marching calls-to-arms, 'All In It' and 'We Close Our Eyes', which are essentially the same song, except the former is too short and the latter is too long. (I know, I'm picky.) In between is a collection of lush, soaring tunes, each as strong as the next.

The first single, 'Atom' is the epitome of rock music. Chanty, insistent choruses ride a wave of guitar and steady percussion. Slow burners like 'No Need To Cry' and the instrumental 'Great Skua' are pretty and engaging. But the best moments come in the form of sonic skyscrapers like 'Canvey Island' and the immigration anthem 'Waving Flags'. On 'Lights Out for Darker Skies', Yan sings "welcome for the day or stay forever" over guitars so shrill they almost sound like a car crash. I suddenly find myself liking rock music more than ever.