Seafarers – ‘Another State’
Seafarers’ latest album, Another State, is a testament to the collective’s artistic maturity and deepening connection. The 6-piece ensemble, founded by saxophonist Matthew Herd, has made a name for themselves with an ever-evolving sound that embraces indie rock, chamber pop, and jazz. With this third release, they craft an atmospheric journey marked by lyrical introspection, instrumental prowess, and an evocative storytelling style.
Recorded at the prestigious Real World Studios, Another State doesn’t just continue the group’s trajectory—it amplifies it. Herd’s compositions are thoughtful and intricate, balancing moments of grandeur with intimate confessions, much like diary entries shared with the listener. These ten tracks feel unified in purpose but are varied in texture and mood, a balancing act that showcases Seafarers’ ability to be both cohesive and refreshingly unpredictable. Each song navigates themes of solitude, discovery, and connection, allowing listeners to find personal resonance within the band’s layered arrangements.
Lauren Kinsella’s vocal performance shines as she channels her renowned personal, emotive approach. Known for her work with Snowpoet, Kinsella brings the same level of nuance and raw sensitivity here. She makes each line feel like an insight or a story shared just for you, delivering a lead that perfectly complements the album’s overall intimacy. Kinsella’s vocal improvisations and subtle shifts in tone bring a unique, grounding presence to the album, bridging the lyrical narrative with the intricate instrumental backdrop.
Guitarists Arun Thavasothy and Tom McCredie anchor the album with deftly crafted arrangements. Thavasothy’s distinct sound pairs with McCredie’s textured, layered approach to create a dynamic harmonic landscape that feels as detailed as it is expansive. Together, they lend a warmth and precision to the album, threading moments of gentle lyricism with bursts of energy and depth.
Pianist Tom Taylor, whose 2020 release First Light was lauded by JazzFM, is another pivotal voice on Another State. His “gorgeous” style—delicate yet purposeful—enhances the album’s quiet power. Taylor’s playing adds subtle cohesion to the work, acting as the glue that binds each part of Seafarers’ multi-layered compositions.
Drummer Dave Hamblett rounds out this ensemble with his masterful, dynamic drumming. His work, informed by an extensive jazz background, manages to be both complex and accessible, grounding the album with rhythms that never overwhelm but always propel the music forward. Hamblett’s touch is the rhythmic heartbeat of Another State, adding texture and excitement to the soundscape.
From start to finish, Another State presents a listening experience that feels transformative. The chemistry between Seafarers’ members has always been palpable, but here, it ascends to new heights of mutual understanding and musical synergy. There’s a refinement in their sound that could only come from years of collaboration and individual mastery. With production that enhances the collective’s energy and a compositional style that is as exploratory as it is thoughtful, Another State is a fitting chapter in Seafarers’ catalog.
As critics have noted in the past—“tender, wrenching, resonant” (AllMusic) and “extraordinary” (RnR Magazine)—Seafarers continue to defy easy categorisation. Their talent for merging genres and stretching boundaries without sacrificing their unique voice is on full display here. For anyone following Seafarers since their 2018 debut, Another State offers not just another album but an invitation to witness a musical journey, one that resonates long after the final note fades.
This album is a masterpiece, full of emotion, heartfelt lyrics and vulnerability. Go listen.