Austin Sound Check

Album Review | The Calm Blue Sea

by Ana Wolken on September 3rd, 2008

Instrumental rock has long been the red-headed stepchild of the music industry.  Instrumental anything is often relegated to background music, but Explosions in the Sky, The Calm Blue Sea and their local brethren have elevated the visability of the genre and are exploring new boundaries to bring mainstream attention to music that was once an afterthought in the minds of music fans.

The Calm Blue Sea’s self-titled debut album is only six songs, but clocks in at 46.5 mins. Both of these things are completely standard and expected in the instrumental genre. What’s fresh and unique to The Calm Blue Sea are the bold peaks and valleys of their songs. The piquant crescendos and decrescendos are hallmarks of skilled songwriting and composition. Most striking are the soft, ethereal piano choruses, bookended by driving guitar verses that hold your attention and simultaneously leave you wanting more.

The Calm Blue Sea is slated for release on October 4th. You can preview the album on The Calm Blue Sea’s MySpace, including my personal favorite The Rivers That Run Beneath This City.

The Calm Blue Sea is playing Beauty Bar this Friday, Sept. 5th along with The Boxing Lesson. Their CD release show is October 4th at Emo’s Lounge with The Murdocks and Hat talk.

For more information: The Calm Blue Sea // MySpace

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POSTED IN: Album Reviews, Austin Locals