Cider Mag July/August 2015 Issue 51 | Page 37

Album Review: By Jacob Heacock S eepeopleS is singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Will Bradford’s longtime independent cult alt-rock project. The band is self-described as anti-genre and their fifth album Dead Souls Session (RascalZRecordZ), released July 2015, is two discs of undeniably creative original music. The album was co-produced, mixed and mastered by Will Holland (Pixies, Dead Can Dance) at Chillhouse Studios. The first disc of Dead Souls Session, has a very mellow sound with thought provoking lyrics and is unlike mainstream music. SeepeopleS’ sound is formed from a variety of instruments such as drums, synths, cello, saxophone and nearly everything in between. They sound similar to the British band Metronomy and the American psychedelic rock band MGMT. Personal favorites of the first disc are “Fall in Rome” and “Holy Ghost Charter Song.” Both tracks really stand out but that’s not saying the others on the album are forgettable. “Conifers of China” is another track that uses cultural music as a backdrop to mix with the melody. Art is subjective, so let the tracks July• 2015 SeepeopleS Dead Souls Session envelop you and speak their own language. Let your experiences create your opinions. “Test Lake Baby 4” or “The Island” or “Used” may hit you hard. The two discs are a refreshing change of pace in the music industry. Will SeepeopleS be on MTV? No, because MTV doesn’t play music anymore but they are on YouTube and Instagram and all over. They are easy to find and you can listen to their older works on Spotify for free. On YouTube, fans have posted videos from live shows but the band does not have a live album. But wait, there’s more - a whole other disc chock full of more music that keeps your toes tapping and head bobbing while you sing along. “Sight for Sore Eyes” and “Second Worst Person in the World” are my personal favorites of the second disc. Other notable tracks are “Wait By the River” and “Hide and Seek.” I will be listening to both of these discson repeat. SeepeopleS has a new fan after hearing their work. Releasing a disc album is quite a rarity these days. In 2013 the band The 1975 released one as well as Steppenwolf, but in most cases a second disc is a DVD with meager behind the scene featurettes. This is not the case of SeepeopleS and it is reminiscent of the double-disc that The Smashing Pumpkins put out in 1995, Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, where one discwas daylight and the other represented nightlight. SeepeopleS’ first few albums were experimental but with more of a rock twist, such as the album The Corn Syrup Conspiracy. But SeepeopleS have such a unique sound that makes it hard to pin- point it.The music can be cheery while the lyrics aren’t saccharine happy go lucky or everything is wonderful. The words hit with universal truths, while the upbeat melody makes you smile. Their fourth album Apocalypse Cow Vol. II came out in 2011 and the band went on a brief hiatus after its release due to Bradford’s struggle with drugs and eventual recovery. SeepeopleS’ first album For The Good of The Nation came out in 2000. Fifteen years of SeepeopleS and the band currently doesn’t have any shows planned but that will change. They did have shows this past spring at Port City Music Hall in Portland, ME and at the Stone Church in Newmarket, NH. The band was formed in Allston, MA and spent many years in Asheville, NC. SeepeopleS’ is now based out of Portland, ME. ■ cidermag.com • CIDER MAG • 37