Review by: Sean Kayden
I was recently asked to check out an up and coming young band called “A B & The Sea.” Initially, I had my reservations, but once I heard these guys, I knew instantly they weren’t just any other band that materialized overnight. Instilled with a sprightly, beachy, and an inherently likable sound, I realized these Midwest kids had more to offer than simply replicating the sound of The Beach Boys. Koley O'Brien and Joe Spargur, Wisconsin natives, founded the band back in 2008. With their sights set on California (which their sound is perfect for), the two friends took the leap of faith and along the way acquired three new members. A B & The Sea was complete, making them a five-piece surf rock band. Shortly after, they released two singles. The first song, “Suzie,” an infectious and genial tune, is remarkably spectacular. Undoubtedly, the finest song in A B & The Sea’s expanding repertoire. Taking cues from 60s surf pop rock, A B & The Sea have an innocence about them that is fresh and endearing. While their resonance is meant for the summer season, the songs they’ve composed are light, breezy, and uncompromisingly fun. Not long after the release of their singles, the band started work on their first EP, “Boys and Girls”. The five-song complication was hip, cool, and showed much potential for a band merely in their early stages of life. More importantly, it got them the rightfully deserved attention of heavy indie rock players. With 2012 just around the corner and two EPs already under their belt, A B & The Sea seem prime and ready for not only a full length record, but total breakout stardom.
Comparisons can be made with other indie acts such as The Smiles, Miniature Tigers, Young The Giant and even a touch of Vampire Weekend. However, A B & The Sea remain true to themselves by creating original and wistful tunes that seem eloquently ideal for any mood the listener may be in. They’ve proven to establish a consistent sound, but their two EPs do present differences. Their first EP, “Boys and Girls,” definitely has a more cheery, jovial pop backdrop than their predecessor, “Run Run Run.” The latter EP seems to exhibit a more deeper and developed sound. With that being duly noted, the transition from one EP to the next is the demonstration of a young band displaying strong growth. Their latest endeavor, “In The Sunshine” (which may be a glimpse of how a forthcoming full length record will sound) is a dance infused pop rock song, that’s also very charming and delicate. If you’re a fan of 2011 rising rockstars, Foster The People, then “In The Sunshine” will feel right at home for you. Actually, they kind of give Foster The People a run for their money with this splendidly joyous tune. Nonetheless, this is easily a step in the right direction, which should grant A B & The Sea even more success than they’ve already endured.
The future will present many choices for A B & The Sea. To overcome the shadows of other acts with a similar sound, I think A B & The Sea will have their work cut out for them. However, that’s a good thing. This will hopefully be a welcoming challenge for a band that’s encountered some good fortunate already with their musical talents. Personally, I think A B & The Sea is on the cusp of being the breakout kings of 2012. Of course that’s if they can play their cards right. If the band can somehow release a full-length album by springtime and get on the bills for the plethora of summer music festivals, the results may be deadly. Deadly in the best kind of way that is.
Published on December 10th, 2011 by Mountain Views News
http://mtnviewsnews.com/v05/htm/n50/p11.htm
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