The sheer quality that the Australian alternative and progressive rock scene has pumping out over the last eight to ten years is quite simply a phenomenon. Sydney act Self Is A Seed are only adding even more weight to the situation with this, their debut album.
These guys have hit upon an absolute winning combination on Siren, with a balance just about as close to perfect as you can get. The album rocks, and rocks hard, but not in a cheesy glam-rock way. It’s alternative, with subtle touches of progressiveness, but they aren’t an inaccessible prog-rock band that is beyond the understanding of your average rock fan. The songs are anthemic and catchy, but never poppy and sappy (see opener Thought You Would). The grooves are fat and relatively simple in that fist-pumping, crowd-pleasing type of way. With Doctor, they have provided a subtle, beautiful touch of acoustic dynamics, with singer David Bleus’ voice really shining in the spotlight. Memory Pit is dark, snaky and epic all at once.
The skilled players show off their individual chops while serving the song to a tee, and the production values on display here are mighty impressive too. Obviously much care has been taken in the recording, mixing and mastering of this record. Add the name Self Is A Seed to the list of world-class Australian alternative/progressive bands, a list that is now considerably longer than your arm.
BY ROD WHITFIELD
Best Track: Pirate
If You Like These, You’ll Like This: TWELVE FOOT NINJA, SLEEP PARADE, ENGINE THREE SEVEN
In A Word: Balanced
