Sealions, a local electro-pop act which self-released its first full-length album, Strange Veins, on Oct. 9, is bringing the dance-demanding nature of upbeat ‘80s New Wave jams back.
The four-piece band of Atlantans—Jason Travis (vocals, guitar), Joey Patino (vocals, guitar, synth), Keith Edmiston (bass, guitar) and John Craig (drums)—has been working on the LP for the past year and a half.
While the quartet’s music is catchy enough to survive in the competitive and crowded local indie rock scene, Sealions offers a unique sound reminiscent of past decades of dance music.
The songs appeal to nostalgia for ‘80’s dance songs, while simultaneously introducing more modern sounds.
The airy vocals are layered over irresistible New Wave-style tunes, with memorable harmonies filtered through synth-based beats.
“Bellwether” peaks with the singer echoing, “And I need you now/More than you can know,” over ‘80s-sounding handclaps.
But there’s more to the album than just dance songs. The pace of tracks on Strange Veins is varied: some are upbeat, like “Bellwether,” but others exude a more chill and entrancing tone (“Crystal Ceiling” and Golden”).
On “Indian Summer,” the only lyrics not distorted are when the singer repeats, “Let’s all get wasted.”
Party-time aside, the band shows a more serious side with their inclusion of love songs like “Hold on Hope” and “Quarter Moon.”
The more mesmerizing songs are reminiscent of modern bands like Washed Out, the one-man chillwave show of fellow Georgian Ernest Greene. But Sealions is significantly different because of its frequently strong, up-tempo dance beats.
Retro but refreshing, Strange Veins is an easygoing crowd-pleaser.
