Broadcast Sea: Wounded Soldier

The Indie Review

By Sean Duregger
April 24, 2008

Artist: Broadcast Sea
Album: Wounded Soldier
Label: Pluto Records

Rating:

Pluto Records is one of those labels that doesn’t release a gigantic amount of albums every year. But, when they do, you should pay attention. Broadcast Sea is no exception to this statement. Released at the end of March this year, Wounded Soldier is an innovative combination of experimental, hardcore and indie rock. Far from formulaic, Broadcast Sea gives us a barrage if aggression, ingenious song structure and thought provoking lyrics with Wounded Soldier.

The first aspect of Wounded Soldier that turned my head were Sterling Cash and Calvin Sprague’s vocals. They trade off and many times are singing/shouting at the same time. It’s hard to describe, but it works. Their vocals are not the standard gutteral growls or high pitched screams that saturate hardcore/metal today. Then again, this isn’t a metal album by any means. Broadcast Sea are very much a Progressive Rock n Roll outfit that doesn’t lend itself to any particular labels. This is rock and roll at it’s purest and rawest form. Full of energy, angst and complexity.

Lyrically, Wounded Soldier can be considered somewhat of a concept album. Each song seems to relate to one another and the album’s title holds each song together. The themes of war, loneliness, loss, death and regret are found throughout.

I’m coming home, I’m coming home
This time, this time it’s for good
Packing my bags while I’m bleeding
Cover my face in this shame
I’m coming home to this shallow grave. [Turning Heads]

As a whole, Wounded Soldier is a solid album, full of complexity and thought provoking even if it leaves you wanting more with only 8 tracks. It’s great to see bands continuing to push boundaries and Broadcast Sea are on the right track to success with Wounded Soldier.

Stand Out Tracks

“We’re a Dying Breed”

“Black Waves”

“Turning Heads”