BAND: SEETHER
ALBUM: THE SURFACE SEEMS SO FAR
RELEASE DATE: SEPTEMBER 20TH 2024
LABEL: FANTASY RECORDS
REVIEWER: ANDREW TREADWELL
Seether’s “The Surface Seems So Far”: A Journey Through Emotion and Sound
Seether, a band that has made its mark on the rock scene, is set to release their highly anticipated album, “The Surface Seems So Far,” on September 20th through Fantasy Records. With a career that has garnered them a Billionaire Plaque from Pandora for over 4 billion career streams, the band’s new work promises to captivate both loyal fans and newcomers alike with its unique blend of memorable hooks, driving rhythms, and unapologetic rock spirit.
Frontman Shaun Morgan, hailing from South Africa, channels his grunge and hard rock roots into this latest offering. Notably, Morgan mentions that this album leans heavier than previous ones and features an absence of acoustic tracks, which is a departure for the band. This decision allows for a more powerful sound, driving the emotions that underpin each song. Morgan, alongside his bandmates—bassist Dale Stewart, drummer John Humphrey, and guitarist Corey Lowery—curated a selection of roughly 21 songs, resulting in a collection that is as cohesive as it is dynamic.
The album opens with “Judas Mind,” a track that grips listeners with its haunting introduction followed by heavy riffage. This powerful beginning sets the tone for the emotional intensity that follows. “Illusion” shifts between crunching riffs and melodic atmospheric choruses, showcasing Morgan’s ability to express his discontent through music. In a world where vulnerability can often be misconstrued as weakness, Morgan’s raw honesty fuels the narrative of his songs.
Throughout the album, themes of pain, love, and introspection emerge, particularly in tracks like “Beneath the Veil,” which tells a poignant story of suffering in a relationship. Lyrics such as “I know there is blood upon your pillow” and “Well now I’m dying to know, why do the bruises still show?” evoke a visceral understanding of emotional turmoil. The emotional depth in songs like “Semblance of Me” continues to resonate, illustrating Morgan’s knack for pouring his heart into his art.
The rhythm section, composed of John Humphrey on drums and Dale Stewart on bass, plays a crucial role in driving the energy of the album. Their synergy allows for a seamless transition between heavier tracks and those that explore more pop-rock sensibilities, like “Walls Come Down.” This track stands out not only for its catchy chorus but also for its potential to become a staple during live performances.
As the album progresses, tracks like “Try To Heal” deliver powerful riffs that encapsulate the emotional rollercoaster of letting go of past burdens. The interplay of sound and sentiment reaches a crescendo with “Same Mistakes,” leading the listener toward the melancholic conclusion of the album, “Regret.” This final track serves as a reflective ode to the realizations of mistakes and lost love, leaving the audience with a sense of introspection. “The Surface Seems So Far” is akin to a flowing river, navigating through various emotional landscapes while maintaining a cohesive flow.
Morgan’s raw experiences of joy and sorrow are woven throughout the album, creating a rich tapestry that captures the essence of life’s complexities. The album is not merely a sob story; it is aggressive yet vulnerable, angry yet reflective. As Seether continues to write the open pages of their musical journey, this latest offering reinforces their place in the rock genre, proving that they have no finale in sight, only an evolving narrative that resonates deeply with fans old and new.
TRACKLIST
JUDAS MIND
ILLUSION
BENEATH THE VEIL
SEMBLANCE OF ME
WALLS COME DOWN
TRY TO HEAL
PAINT THE WORLD
SAME MISTAKES
LOST ALL CONTROL
DEAD ON THE VINE
REGRET
PERSONELL
SHAUN MORGAN – VOCALS/GUITAR
DALE STEWART – BASS
JOHN HUMPHREY – DRUMS
COREY LOWREY – GUITAR
