Montreal-based project Seagullmoine craft a dynamic sound, enveloping in ranges of both dream-pop and psych-inclined rock. Their gripping songwriting is on full display throughout their new album, Nothing Flows Nothing Grows. An emotively impactful grip takes hold, evidenced by a standout like “The Oxbow.” Wordless vocal lingering, emitting a falsetto chilliness, traverses into a haunting lead with an artful rhythmic bolstering — showing shades of recent Radiohead. “And our problems pile onto another enemy, leaving isolated crescents of a memory,” the vocals let out, as wintry piano tones enter into greater vocal clarity.
Another highlight, “Stature” embraces a more infectious rock bustling. “Take the knife, hold it tight,” kickstarts the track amidst twangy guitar escalations, melding with moody vocals for a hooky aesthetic reminiscent of Ozma. A snarling vocal angst invigorates during the bridge, proclaiming “it shouldn’t be hard,” as the glistening verses reprise. The mid-point and conclusion dazzle in their dexterous percussion, talkative guitar tones, and melodic vocal reveals. “The Sentry” also succeeds in a more synth-friendly realm, caressing with a dreamy assortment of synths. “Here’s to the sentry rather a guard than a guide,” the vocals exude amidst sporadic percussive momentum. Nothing Flows Nothing Grows is an enveloping success from Seagullmoine.
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These highlighted tracks and others featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
