Sea Fever Break Down ‘Surface Sound’ – Their Most Euphoric Record Yet | XS Noize Podcast #227

Sea Fever

XS Noize Podcast Episode #227: Sea Fever – Phil Cunningham, Tom Chapman, and Beth Cassidy on Surface Sound, Musical Chemistry, and Honouring Denise Johnson

In Episode #227 of the XS Noize Music Podcast, host Mark Millar is joined by Phil Cunningham, Tom Chapman, and Beth Cassidy of the genre-blending band Sea Fever to talk about their powerful second album, Surface Sound.

Sea Fever is a five-piece supergroup featuring members of New Order, Haven, Johnny Marr’s band, Section 25, and Brix & The Extricated. The band returns with Surface Sound — a bold fusion of alt-rock, dance, and electronic pop across ten euphoric tracks.

In this episode, Phil, Tom, and Beth discuss:

  • The creative process and sonic ambition behind Surface Sound

  • How their unique chemistry has evolved since 2021’s Folding Lines

  • Crafting standout singles like “Breaking Out” and “Loose Cut”

  • The emotional weight of Denise Johnson’s stunning guest vocals on “Explanation”

  • How their individual musical legacies shape the identity and future of Sea Fever

Surface Sound showcases Sea Fever at their most confident and collaborative, from pulsing synths to layered guitar textures and powerful lyrics. Listen to episode #227 of the XS Noize Podcast with Sea Fever – BELOW:


Or listen via YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | RSS – Find The XS Noize Podcast’s complete archive of episodes here.

Previous XS Noize Podcast guests have included John Lydon, Will Sergeant, Ocean Colour Scene, Gary Kemp, Doves, Gavin Friday, David Gray, Anton Newcombe, Peter Hook, The Twang, Sananda Maitreya, James, Crowded House, Elbow, Cast, Kula Shaker, Shed Seven, Future IslandsPeter FramptonBernard ButlerSteven WilsonTravis, New OrderThe KillersTito JacksonSimple Minds, Divine ComedyShaun RyderGary NumanSleaford ModsMichael Head, and many more.

Sea Fever

Released on multiple formats, including vinyl, CD and digital, Surface Sound was written and recorded in studios in Greater Manchester and Cheshire, self-produced by Sea Fever with support from long-term collaborator and Pet Shop Boys’ musical director, Pete Gleadall. Special vinyl editions of Surface Sound will be packaged with a bonus 7” featuring Explanation, Sea Fever’s collaborative track with the late, much-missed Primal Scream and Electronic singer, Denise Johnson.

Taking every intricate, vintage synth-borne melody and danceable beat out to carefully chosen venues, all upcoming Sea Fever live appearances are confirmed as follows:

Fri 30 May – Manchester, The Yard – Special Album Launch Show
Sat 31 May – Halifax, Loafers
Tue 1 July – Liverpool, Jacaranda
Wed 2 July – Bury, Wax and Beans
Sat 2 August – Kendal, Kendal Calling
Tue 5 August – Kingston, Banquet Records

Tickets and bundles are available by following links posted at https://linktr.ee/seafeverband

 

Xsnoize Author
Mark Millar is the founder of XS Noize and host of the XS Noize Podcast, where he interviews top music artists and emerging talent. Known for insightful, in-depth conversations, Mark brings a passionate, fan-first approach to music journalism. Favourite album: Achtung Baby by U2. Follow on X: @mark_xsnoize.

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