Seabound- No Sleep Demon V2.0

Artist: Seabound
CD Title: No Sleep Demon, V2.0
Label: Metropolis Records
Reviewer: Matthew Johnson
Date: 4-8-05

A reissue of the band’s first album, this CD reveals the beginnings of Seabound’s explorations of EBM and synthpop. Tracks like “Smoke” and “Coward” are hard and fast enough for the industrial clubs, of course, and “Exorcise” might as well have been a VNV Nation track if not for the humorously blasphemous samples, but it’s the more melodic pop songs that really shine. While Seabound share Depeche Mode’s cynicism and Wolfsheim’s European sense of romance, a better comparison might be synthesizer guru Thomas Dolby. Like Dolby’s best work, Seabound manage to use minimal electronics to somehow create full, organic-sounding pop songs like “Rome On Fire.” “Dunnocks” is also unabashedly retro with its perky analog melodies, but the songwriting is simply too good to lump them in with the ‘80s poseurs of the electroclash crowd. There are a few slips ups here and there – the “Speak ‘n’ Spell” effect on “Point Break” is particularly trite – but the gorgeous vocal production on “Hooked” is enough to convince anyone that Seabound’s music goes way beyond catchy by-the-numbers dance music. As a bonus, this “V2.0” edition includes two extra tracks and an even perkier dance remix of “Hooked.” With enough stomp for the clubs and enough melody to make it a good listen even off the dance floor, Seabound is a treat for any electronic fan.

visit them online at www.seabound.de.