Sea Fever have been a standout presence in Manchester’s music scene since forming in 2019. The five-piece electronic band made a strong impression with their critically acclaimed debut Folding Lines, and have since built a reputation for captivating live performances and an evolving, genre-blending sound. Last week, they released their long-awaited second album, Surface Sound, marking the occasion with a special hometown show at The Yard.
Starting as they meant to go on, Sea Fever launched into their commanding new album opener, ‘Breaking Out‘ – a bold choice that immediately set the tone. From Elliot Barlow’s relentless beat to Tom Chapman’s layered, atmospheric synths, it was a powerful showcase of the band’s collective strengths and a clear statement of intent. The crowd was then taken back to their debut with the infectious ‘Built to Last‘, which sounded as fresh and vibrant as ever, driven once again by Elliot’s unmistakable rhythm.
With its layered instrumentation and steadily intensifying vocals that build to a climactic burst of sound, the infectious ‘Triggers Us’ has quickly become a live favourite since its 2023 debut. Its dynamic delivery – paired with the crowd’s enthusiastic response – gives it all the presence of a lead single. The energy flowed effortlessly into the equally popular ‘Dilemma’ – a track that blends dark, heavy basslines with bright, intertwining pop melodies – before the intense and irresistible ‘Afterthought’. A highlight from Folding Lines, ‘Afterthought‘ consistently delivers one of the most memorable vocal moments when it’s in the setlist, with Iwan Gronow and Beth Cassidy trading lines in a striking call-and-response through the verses, building tension before uniting in a soaring, emotionally charged chorus.
The first in a run of new tracks, ‘Shouldn’t Have Been This Way‘ shone a spotlight on Phil Cunningham, whose guitar work injects the track with bold, expressive energy. His sharp, rhythmic playing cuts through the groove-driven foundation – built on Tom’s magnetic bassline – adding a sense of urgency and flair that elevates the entire song. ‘Thrills, Kicks & Lies’ followed, with Beth confidently taking the lead. Cool and composed as a frontwoman, her ethereal vocals glided effortlessly over funky guitar riffs and a dark, pulsing beat that gives the track a hypnotic, danceable edge. Rounding out the trio was ‘Sincere to Some‘, a slow-burn that builds from a brooding bass-heavy start into something unexpectedly euphoric. It’s a bold mix of moods that proves Sea Fever can’t be pinned to one sound.
‘Le Coup‘ saw Beth leading once again, her vibrant vocals perfectly matched by the track’s electrifying energy. That energy surged into ‘Go to Ground‘ – another live favourite in the run up to the album’s release and a perfect example of how the band’s sounds blend to create something truly unique, as it’s syncopated beats, infectious hooks, and layered melodies come together to craft a funky, boundary-pushing sound with tight, refined production.
The penultimate track of the night, ‘Truth Dare‘, shimmered with sparkling guitar riffs and an irresistible beat. A single-worthy standout, it’s another track that highlights the seamless vocal chemistry between Iwan and Beth – their voices blending with such ease and intuition, it felt as though they’d been singing together forever. The gig reached a triumphant finale with ‘De Facto‘, a staple highlight of Sea Fever’s live sets. The driving electro track didn’t just reflect the crowd’s energy and elation – it mirrored the band’s own, closing the night on a high and affirming the powerful connection between the two.
Sea Fever’s homecoming show at The Yard was more than a celebration of their new album Surface Sound – it was a powerful statement from a band fully hitting their stride. Blending old favourites with fresh tracks, the performance pulsed with unity, confidence, and sheer exhilaration, electrifying both the stage and the crowd. Fans welcomed the new chapter with open arms, while the band played with the unmistakable joy of a group truly loving what they do.
Surface Sound is available in digital and physical formats. Find out more here.
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.
