Nothing in a Seefeel song is ever truly finished. Each track is a snapshot of an ongoing experiment, a process in constant motion. Some songs feel like they have been evolving for ages, with a glacial, galactic pace. A stray guitar riff, a distant drumbeat, a haunting vocal fragment by Sarah Peacock, and a deep bass pulse all come together in a delicate balance, drifting like celestial bodies in the vast expanse of space. The intricate workings behind the music remain hidden, with arcane methods and an inscrutable process shaping the soundscapes. Each song is like a glimpse of the ever-expanding universe at a random moment in its evolution, a fleeting image of infinity.
The Evolution of Seefeel
Throughout the years, the UK group, now a duo consisting of Peacock and producer/multi-instrumentalist Mark Clifford, has offered hints about the nature of their cosmic dub sound. The 1995 track “Utreat” marked a minimalist turn for Seefeel, serving as a bridge between their album “Succour” and the following year’s release “(Ch-vox).” The box set “Rupt and Flex (1994-96)” delved into the overlapping recording sessions of both albums, showcasing multiple versions that pushed the boundaries of familiar musical structures. The band experimented with playback speeds, uncovering new frequencies and reshaping familiar sounds in unexpected ways.
Squared Roots: A Closer Look
“Squared Roots” provides a clearer, albeit distorted, insight into Seefeel’s dub-inspired philosophy. All seven tracks on the album stem from the same material that birthed their recent release “Everything Squared,” their first album in over a decade. While “Everything Squared” featured six tracks, “Squared Roots” offers seven, highlighting the band’s ability to mutate and expand their sonic landscape like living organisms in a controlled environment.
Similar to its predecessor, “Squared Roots” is a blend of rhythmic thumps and ethereal shimmer. The pulsating kick drums and deep bass lines form the foundation, while guitar and voice elements are warped and layered to create otherworldly textures. The guitars take on new identities, resembling train whistles or gentle breezes, while Peacock’s vocals transcend traditional singing, evoking a cosmic essence. The relationship between the earlier tracks and the new compositions remains enigmatic, blurring the lines between rough drafts and alternate dimensions.
Conclusion
Seefeel’s music defies conventional categorization, existing in a realm where experimentation and evolution are constant companions. “Squared Roots” offers a glimpse into their ever-expanding sonic universe, where familiar sounds are reshaped and reimagined with each new release.
FAQs
Q: What sets Seefeel’s music apart from other artists?
A: Seefeel’s unique blend of cosmic dub elements, experimental soundscapes, and minimalist aesthetics create a distinct musical experience that transcends traditional boundaries.
Q: How has Seefeel’s sound evolved over the years?
A: Seefeel’s sound has evolved from ambient shoegaze to a more dub-inspired, experimental direction, incorporating elements of glitch, minimalism, and electronic music.
Q: What can listeners expect from a Seefeel album like “Squared Roots”?
A: “Squared Roots” offers a mix of rhythmic beats, shimmering textures, and otherworldly sounds that invite listeners on a sonic journey through the cosmos of Seefeel’s unique musical universe.
Credit: pitchfork.com
