Sea Fever are a dynamic five-piece electronica band who have carved out a distinct place within Manchester’s vibrant music scene since forming in 2019. With members drawn from legendary acts like New Order, Section 25, and Johnny Marr’s band, they fuse deep-rooted musical pedigree with a fresh, forward-thinking sound. Their critically acclaimed debut Folding Lines established their presence, and after years of captivating live shows and sonic evolution, their long-awaited follow-up Surface Sound has finally arrived.
Powered by Elliot Barlow’s relentless beat, ‘Breaking Out’ makes for a commanding opener – an anthem of individuality, defiance, and self-determination. The track is a true showcase of the band’s collective strengths, blending Phil Cunningham’s unmistakable indie guitar lines with Tom Chapman’s textured, atmospheric synths. Vocalists Iwan Gronow and Beth Cassidy share the spotlight, their voices weaving together with growing intensity, underscoring both their chemistry and the cohesion at the heart of Sea Fever’s sound.
Already turning heads at recent live shows, ‘Go to Ground’ has swiftly established itself as a fan favourite. Described by Iwan as “a no-nonsense song about ambition and change,” the track pulses with Elliot’s crisp, syncopated beats, wrapped in infectious hooks and rich melodic textures from Phil and Tom. With its funky, experimental edge, it pushes sonic boundaries while maintaining a laser-sharp cohesion – each element locking perfectly into place. The momentum continues with ‘Shouldn’t Have Been This Way’, driven by Tom’s magnetic bassline and brimming with energy. Phil’s standout guitar work takes centre stage, injecting a bold, dynamic flair into the track’s groove-laden foundation.
Opening with an ominous synth line, ‘Sincere to Some’ instantly commands attention. Clocking in at just over five and a half minutes, it’s a slow-burning, brooding track anchored by a weighty bassline – one that unexpectedly gives way to soaring pop melodies. Those soaring pop melodies carry through into the fresh yet comfortingly familiar ‘Able Eyes’, a track that pulses with the unmistakable influence of Manchester’s rich musical heritage. Though best known for his work with Haven and Johnny Marr’s band, Iwan’s talents go far beyond his past credits and as his vocals lead the way on ‘Able Eyes’, we’re presented with not just their strength, but also their remarkable versatility.
‘Thrills, Kicks & Lies’ comes next, driven by Beth’s ethereal vocals, Phil’s irresistibly funky guitar riffs, and a dark, pulsing beat courtesy of Elliot. Then comes the infectious ‘Triggers Us’ – a track that screams future single. Its layered instrumentation and steadily intensifying vocals build to a climactic explosion of sound, best described as beautiful chaos. Beth returns to the spotlight on ‘Loose Cut’, her smooth, hypnotic delivery gliding over a foundation of thumping rhythms and moody synths. The track showcases the distinctive talents of each supergroup member in seamless harmony. With relentless energy from start to finish, it’s poised to follow in the footsteps of live favourite ‘De Facto’.
There are no fillers on a Sea Fever album – it’s evident that every track is crafted with single-worthy precision. Driven by sparkling guitar riffs and an irresistible beat and spotlighting the natural vocal synergy between Iwan and Beth, ‘Truth Dare’ carries the same single-worthy promise as ‘Triggers Us’‘. While dual vocalists can be tricky to balance, Iwan and Beth prove a perfect match. ‘Truth Dare’ highlights this synergy, with her airy harmonies seamlessly contrasting his subdued, emotive vocals. Ending the album on the same high note as the opener, the band deliver the punchy ‘Seen as a Lifeline’ to close the record. High-energy, commanding, and undeniably catchy, ‘Seen as a Lifeline’ showcases the band at their absolute best. A flawless finale that, even after ten tracks, leaves us craving more.
Surface Sound showcases a band that has evolved from a group of celebrated musicians into a cohesive unit with a distinctive sound. Far from a side project, the album highlights their ability to blend influences and experiences into something fresh and compelling. It’s an evolution that not only honours their past but pushes their sound boldly forward.
Surface Sound is available across multiple formats. To celebrate its release, the band will be hosting a launch event in Manchester, along with several in-store appearances. Click here for more information.
We recently caught up with Iwan and Tom to talk about how the record came together, the creative journey behind it, and the special dynamic that drives the band forward. You can read the interview here.
