Working on the theory that recording in different places helps keep things fresh, British Sea Power made its latest album, “Valhalla Dancehall” (Rough Trade), in a rustic farmhouse in the English countryside.

Still sounds like British Sea Power, though, on lush, deeply textured songs that build skyward. There’s a sweeping, cinematic scope here, abetted by epic guitars, atmospheric keyboards and murmury vocals swathed in reverb.

The quiet bits are broken up by pulsing rockers: there’s a spray of aggressive guitars on opener “Who’s In Control,” and the jockeying for position of squealing guitar and squelching keyboards on “Stunde Null.” It makes for a potent blend of muscle and soul from a band that’s always digging deeper.

Photo by Dan Dennison

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Who’s in Control mp3

January 12, 2011 at 2:13 pm | Share |