Review of Sunseeker ****
Indie country may be a newly coined genre in the US to explain the rise of artists such as Waxahatchee, MJ Lenderman, Margo Price and longer-established artists such as Big Thief, who even Americana's broad church struggles to accommodate. It's a world where Eastbourne five-piece The Equatorial Group would fit right in. Undercoated with flashes of Neil Young and Fleetwood Mac that fade with each successive release, the band have been relatively happy muddling away over two previous low-key albums, but Sunseeker sees them in a different league. Alternating tracks between the vocals of lead singers and songwriters Helen Weeks and Dave Davies, they've found a very special groove that can spiral away on Davies's guitar or dig down into a Ryley Walker kind of jazzy country pop. Add in the band's natural optimism and hope, and The Equatorial Group raise a high bar for UK indie country.
The British band The Equatorial Group delivers its third excellent album in a row with Sea and once again succeeds in beautifully merging American roots music with timeless pop music... (continue reading)
Throughout, the level of musicianship is top drawer and the cutting edge is often the lyrical guitar playing of Dave Davies, inventive and gliding across the rhythm and melody set by the other band members. As an ensemble they work seamlessly, whether the lush keyboard sound of Twe Fox, the inventive pedal steel and guitar of Helen Weeks or the impressive engine room of Andy Tourle on bass and Neil Grimes on drums. Self- produced by the band with lead vocals shared across the songs by Helen Weeks and Dave Davies this is a worthy addition to any record collection and comes highly recommended... (continue reading)
Many of the songs on the album would be perfectly at home if heard in Nashville and the overall balance and production of the album is excellent. The superb arrangements are never overdone allowing the quality of the music and lyrics to be fully appreciated. The opening track "Falling," featuring Helen on vocals, reminds me a little of Pentangle and "Dynamite" featuring Dave is reminiscent of Eagles... (continue reading)
‘Sea’ finds Eastbourne’s finest confidently embracing a richer, more subtly textured sound than on previous offerings, while Dave Davies' guitar is also far more prominent in the mix, achieving a ringing clarity on the solo to ‘Liberated Steel’ and the lacerating riff that powers the disquieting ‘Fire’. From bouncy, mid-tempo numbers such as ‘Taj’ to the gentler introspection of ‘Colourful’ this is another lovingly crafted blend of distinctive compositions that will entice you back repeatedly.
Superb album with great memorable tunes and a ballsy production which really suits the band and these songs. Congratulations 10/10