Written by Hannah Clough
Seaway is about to save 2020 with one of their best releases so far, “Big Vibe!” This is the feel-good album we never knew we needed until now.
It’s been three years since their last album “Vacation” swam into our hearts with its summer vibes, and now Seaway is continuing that, but with more of a rock influence. The Canadian four-piece is mostly known for its pop-heavy tracks, but this record shows us that they're more than just another cookie-cutter pop-punk band.
“Brain In a Jar" powerfully opens the album, with its old-school guitar riffs and overall sound. Ken Taylor didn’t disappoint with the drums and I can see this being a big hit in a live setting amongst all Seaway fans.
The title track is presented early on and it just happened to be the first single as well; “Big Vibe” set the tone for not only the remaining singles, but the album as a whole. It’s been out for a solid two months now and still manages to be played on the daily (by me at least).
Next, we have possibly the most questionable track lyrically, “Mrs. David.” The funky beat and highlighted bass from Adam Shoji make the song one of the catchiest moments on the album.
“Still Blue” is one of the oddest songs on “Big Vibe”, but in the best way. It's got the rhythm and energy Seaway is known for, the craziest music video, plus a memorable bridge.
The last single presented is “Wild Things”, the most versatile for the band instrumentally. "Chill" is not a word I’ve used to describe a Seaway song in a while, but that's exactly what this is; it’s a nice break from the heavier tracks for sure.
The relaxation doesn’t last long, though, because “Pathetic” is the following track, filled with classic 80s movie vibes. It's a ton of fun lyrically, between the "Something Wonderful" reference in the opening line (“seventh day in the same t-shirt”) to the blunt, “I kinda wanna die, but that’s okay.”
“Sweet Sugar” sounds just like you’d expect it to; sweet as sugar. Reminiscent of The 1975, the lyrics discuss the struggle between one's mind and body when it comes to staying or leaving someone’s place.
Guitarist Andrew Eichinger's riffs carry the next track, “Peach”, which includes isolated vocals and an ending that fades perfectly into the next song as well. All of these great qualities lead it to be one of the strongest tracks on the album.
“If You Let Me” will get you in your feelings with its bittersweet lyrics hidden by a melodious pop vibe. The heartbreaking lyric “I’ll be pathetic without you” ties the track to an earlier moment on "Pathetic" perfectly.
Dry those tears quickly, as “Wicked” will give you the sudden urge to overthrow the government. Similar to their older material like "Colour Blind", there are underlying themes of being controlled, along with the line “The air is cooking us away” potentially referring to the current issue of climate change.
Unfortunately, this album had to come to an end, but “Sick Puppy” is the best song to end on. It may start slow, but the tempo change will have you wishing you hearing it live; this track has the best parts of “Vacation” mixed with a heavier rock influence and I wouldn’t have closed the album any other way.
Seaway is one of the most underrated bands in today's pop-punk scene, and hopefully “Big Vibe” changes that. They deserve more recognition than they are currently receiving, especially with a vocalist as talented as Ryan Locke.
If you love this album as much as we do, make sure to support the band by picking up some of their merch. Feel free to tweet us and let us know what your favorite track off of "Big Vibe" is too!
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