Constructing a sonic city of dance, euphoric electronic pop and cross-genre alt-rock enclaves, travelled five-piece, Sea Fever release one of their boldest singles to date to simultaneously announce the release of their second album, Surface Sound. Following up recent teases with the unambiguous dancefloor pounder that is “Breaking Out,” the band kindles the embers of their long-term collaboration to a superheated sense of sonic defiance, with eight more, unreleased tracks lying in wait.
With their 2021 debut album, Folding Lines, proving to be just the first mile of a long road for the band, enthusiastic follow-up studio sessions and live appearances of growing scale and audience connection have alchemised Sea Fever’s separate parts to become an ever more unified, defiant and clearly intentioned whole. Having teased the sultry, frosted synth-groove of “Loose Cut” just two weeks ago, the band’s longer-term intentions are laid out by “Breaking Out,” confirmed as the opening track on Surface Sound, set for release on Fri 30 May 2025.
Sea Fever’s singer and guitarist, Iwan Gronow, says of the single: “‘Breaking Out’ is one of the most immediate songs from the new album. It’s about releasing the shackles and embracing change. There’s a feeling of lingering uncertainty within many lives and more than ever it’s hard to know what is real. It’s a celebration of being different, not following the norm and finding your own path.
“The song brings out each member’s character and signifies the creative streak we’re on. Unity and belonging sum up the meaning of ‘Breaking Out’ and the sheer drive of the song encapsulates each one of us and our creative journey. A reminder not to give up.”
Listen to ‘Breaking Out’ – BELOW:
Since 2020, Sea Fever has gathered the innate, restless artistry, studio craft and stage experience of New Order members Tom Chapman and Phil Cunningham, together with Gronow, a former member of cherished 00’s emotive indie band Haven, as well as playing bass with Johnny Marr for over ten years. The band is completed by Section 25’s Beth Cassidy and drummer, Elliot Barlow, formerly of Brix and The Extricated.
Extending that family of fierce reputation, special vinyl editions of Surface Sound will be packaged with a bonus 7” featuring Sea Fever’s collaboration with the late, much-missed singer, Denise Johnson. The artist, renowned for her incalculably influential contributions to iconic albums by bands such as Electronic, Primal Scream and A Certain Ratio, adds her voice to “Explanation.”
Chapman says of the track: “I started working with Denise on this track at the end of 2019, then, very sadly, Denise passed away in 2020 and the song was never finished. With some distance from that difficult time, I finally revisited the recordings, instantly remembering her infectious laugh, her soul and spirit. Above all, I thought that people should hear her voice again. Sea Fever got together to finish it and it’s stands as an homage to our friend, Denise.”
Both resulting from and regardless of previous projects and the highs and lows of global touring, Sea Fever’s identity is increasingly forged by such connection, collective growth and generosity found amongst the ever more cohesive collective. If their debut was an opening chapter, Surface Sound is a complete, rewarding and open book all of its own.
While also describing “Breaking Out” as a “relentless dancing club machine”, Chapman goes further to expand on Surface Sound’s special place in the band’s hearts, saying: “It’s an album full of hope and melancholy. It was written through a difficult period of my life, dealing with a breakup and the loss of my father. I immersed myself in my work on a daily basis and used music as my solace and therapy to deal with the various waves of emotions.
“The result is a beautiful album, with Iwan and Beth confirming their roles as vocalists and lyricists with heartfelt melodies and poignant words, raising the bar again with their singing abilities. Phil stepped up again as the quintessential indie guitarist and Elliot Barlow is the engine room and heartbeat of the band. I am very proud of this record. It’s Sea Fever at our best.”
Making further, collaborative connections, this time with emergent Stockport-based indie label, Cosmic Glue, Surface Sound is to be released on multiple formats, including vinyl, CD and digital. The full track listing for the album has been confirmed by the band as follows:
1. Breaking Out
2. Go to Ground
3. Shouldn’t Have Been this Way
4. Sincere to Some
5. Able Eyes
6. Thrills, Kicks and Lies
7. Triggers Us
8. Loose Cut
9. Truth Dare
10. Seen As A Lifeline
A run of 2024 shows culminated in Sea Fever’s biggest homecoming live outing to date, taking in Manchester’s Gorilla venue in a celebration of almost half a decade as a band in the presence of fans, friends and family. Continuing to hand-pick their appearances and with more to be confirmed throughout 2025, all of the band’s upcoming shows are:
Sat 29 March – Macclesfield, Cinemac w/UNE
Fri 4 April – Leek, Foxlowe Arts Centre
The remaining tickets are on sale now and available via venue websites. Links to each are available here.
Be the first to comment