TEETH OF THE SEA

‘Wraith’

(Album Review)

Reviewer: Dan Turner

I have this habit over the years of pigeonholing bands into specific genres. This is pure selfishness on my behalf and a compulsive behaviour that is nigh on impossible to change. When I first heard the new Teeth Of The Sea track Hiraeth a few weeks ago it felt like the walls were closing in around me, as my brain desperately searched for some kind of rational classification. The London based outfit have successfully leapfrogged over genre barriers for 13 years now and their new album Wraith is no exception. Their experimental tendencies have seen them traverse psychedelic & prog rock soundscapes with ease whilst utilising guitar distortion and analogue synthesizers to great effect. With the departure of drummer John Hirst, Teeth Of The Sea are now a three piece with Jimmy Martin on guitar, Mike Bourne on bass & synthesizers & Sam Barton on trumpet.

The album opener (and new single) I’d Rather, Jack was produced by the deft hand of Erol Alkan and his minimalist approach gives ample breathing space for Martin’s jagged guitar work. The slow burning pace builds up into a rhythmic swirling crescendo of synths & trumpet before dissipating into the ether. Both Hiraeth and Burn Of The Sheiling possess a vivid, cinematic quality reminiscent of Ry Cooder‘s Paris, Texas with Barton‘s trumpet breathing a shimmering twilight world into life. Haunting definitely seems like a theme throughout the album and even the band admitted just as much when they first started recording Wraith.

VISITOR revisits a bygone era with Bourne‘s synths taking centre stage. There is an uncanny 80’s feel to this track – it conjures up images of Commodore 64 computer games being played at a relentless manic pace that mirrors Martin‘s frenetic guitar. Their penchant for the cinematic is revealed again here, but instead of a desolate human realm they have transported us into a futuristic alien world. Tinges of Tangerine Dream and alternate realities echo throughout Our Love Can Destroy This Whole Fucking World and it is a brief respite before the brutal seven minute album closer, Gladiators Ready. Teeth Of The Sea leave their heaviest track till last and it is a glorious pummelling of the senses with thrashing guitars, hypnotic beats and a synth bassline to die for. It feels like they have used every means and influence at their disposal here and bombarded the listener with it – a fitting end to a superb album.

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Dan Turner

I have been photographing artists for close to 15 years, including live shows & photo-shoots. I started off shooting local bands at the Lansdowne Hotel in Sydney where a friend of mine organised a monthly band night of eclectic musicians & styles. I am extremely passionate about supporting local artists whenever I can to give them a platform to promote their efforts – whether it is a review, interview, music video or photographs. For me, it doesn’t matter if the band is playing in a pub or a stadium, I always bring my professional attitude, respect for others & a keen eye for capturing an unique shot.