The hypnotic, stirring and palindromic title track ‘Love We Are We Love’ is a worthy tune to
project the album and is symbolic of the duo’s approach to music, posing
questions to the answers that only the medium of song writing really excels at.
The whole record reverberates around the theme of experiencing that leap of
faith which while extremely relevant to Chuck and Mira is capable of reaching
out into the mind of the listener. Without veering into pop territory, the record
has an instant appeal which entwines you deeper on each subsequent listen.
Although the record has been available in the US for much of
2014, it’s getting a formal UK release on September 1 and there is a slight
irony that this review is being written in the same week that The Civil Wars
sealed the formalities of their split. The similarities with this commercially successful
duo are not too difficult to detect and the record has some potential to tap
into the public appetite for this type of roots music. With the current trend
of the banjo acquiring cool status, the scene setting album opener ‘Re; Blah’ bases its musical arrangement
on this traditional string instrument and is another of the leading tracks on
an absorbing release packed with a substantial 13 songs.
The duo adopted their name from an ancient Greek tale
recalling the joy of weary soldiers returning to a coastal base and this degree
of intelligent thought threads through much of the album. For those inclined to
tapping further into these thoughts, the band has an excellent website section
where Chuck and Mira share the intimacies on the origin of each song. This will
enhance the enjoyment and understanding of an album, benefitting from the
careful production of Todd Sickafoose.
The pick from the remainder of LOVE WE ARE WE LOVE lays within
the gorgeous chorus and vocals decorating the track ‘If I Go (Chicago)’, a city of personal relevance to Chuck and Mira.
The beautiful humming intro to ‘Guess It
Was’ leads into another wonderful track where there is more than an element
to Holly Williams in the vocal contribution of Mira. The second part of the
album adopts a softer groove with a subtle dreamy sound defining many of the
tracks.
With an album rich in influence and depth along with a duo
keen to share such thoughts, The Sea The Sea appear to be the ideal live act to
frequent some of the UK’s more intimate listening venues. While LOVE WE ARE WE
LOVE has much going for it, a visit to our shores for shows will help
enormously in its promotion and awareness. In the mouth-watering anticipation of
this, take a leap of faith with your music engagement and acquaint yourself
with this record.
www.theseathe.com