Sea In The Sky

Sea in the Sky is a formerly instrumental band from Redwood City, CA, but with the addition of vocalist Sam Kohl, Sea in the Sky have transformed themselves into a full band that is a force to be reckoned with. The band’s first move as a full band was to re-record their 2014 EP Serenity with the addition of Kohl’s vocals, in which they are re-releasing as Visions, and in doing so have not only reinvented their release, but reinvented their sound.

Throughout Visions, the band’s sound plateaus and intensifies back and forth. Their sound remains similar to Serenity in the guise of no instrumental lick or section has done undone, but rather simply built upon. The band has not torn down their sound for the sake of a vocalist, having always kept themselves open for the inclusion of leads at opportune times has allowed Kohl to thrive without sounding awkward or forced. A good example of this combination is the title track “Visions”, an uncompromising track that is equal parts a showcase of prowess and a cradling of Kohl’s vocals.

Alternatively, there are times on the EP where Sea in the Sky has maintained their initially instrumental identity, such as track two, “Serenity”, where the track goes a full three minutes without vocal interruption. When Kohl does eventually step in, he does so in a fashion similar to Contortionist vocalist Michael Lessard, where his singing is more ethereal, functioning as an addition to the instruments, rather than projecting above them.

Kohl’s vocals are interesting for this reason: their functionality and diversity give the band a new identity. There are times, as I stated above, that they are reminiscent of Lessard, however in other times they represent more of a progressive post-hardcore sound similar to Hail the Sun vocalist Donovan Melero and Dear Hunter vocalist Casey Crescenzo. This effect resonates throughout the entire EP, giving Sea in the Sky a sound that can fit as easily next to CHON playing “Can’t Wait” as it could next to any Blue Swan records band.

In merely renovating their old release with their new sound, Sea in the Sky have reinvented themselves into something greater than ever before. One can only imagine what their next, original release has in store for us.

Score: 9/10

FFO: Polyphia, Hail the Sun, CHON

Notable Tracks: Krill, Tamagotchi, Visions - It Djents

Sea In The Sky is a new up and coming band from California, and they focus a lot on melodic vocals and play djenty prog-pop metal with a slightly ambient feel to it.

Being quite technically proficient (what struck me is the slap bass solo in Tamagotchi) doesn’t mean they can’t put the vocals at the forefront. This makes it so that the band is pretty accessible to, well, anyone while remaining enjoyable for the musicians listening because there’s always something interesting that’s being played in the background. Be it the aforementioned slap bass solo, some guitar tapping riff, drums going out of the beaten path or a tasty guitar solo. Visions is the band’s third release, and their second full-length. Well… I don’t know if that’d count as a second LP since all of the songs on it are simply better recorded versions of those found on their first one, “Serenity”, and there are fewer of them too. But they did add vocals, though. Actually, Visions could be seen as their debut 2.0 album.

In the end, if you’re a fan of Periphery, or wish that Sithu Aye had vocals on his tracks, Sea In The Sky is for you! - Can This Even Be Called Music?

Yet another band jumping out of the progressive scene is California-based Sea In The Sky. Although they are instrumental, they are still a contending force with other bands rising into the industry. As Sea in the Sky has released music, there has only been a positive form of improvement in their style. With their fast pitched playing, growing fanbase, and new EP, which was released just a few weeks ago, these guys are definitely worth looking out for if you dig the instrumental realm of tunes. - I Probably Hate Your Band

Progressive music isn’t for everyone, but Sea In The Sky has a way making even the biggest skeptic a fan, and I could not recommend enough for you to at least give their EP a quick listen. Take a dive into prog, and you won’t want to come out, I promise. - Max Puhala, Hear This! Promotions

Sea in the Sky are a young band from the States who bring us their first full length “Serenity”. On their Facebook profile they state: “We’re just trying to play some heavy and groovy instrumental music!” and they’re doing it darn well for a few guys who are only trying!

The number of instrumental metal fusion bands seems to have expanded slowly but steadily over the past few years and “Serenity” will most likely be this year’s latest addition to the genre. Its blue-clad cover art and the album’s title are truly a deception, for this can hardly be called the genres most serene record we’ve seen so far.

The eight songs stand lightly on their feet, and fly by like petits morceaux; though they are not at all simple-minded and swiftly forgotten. They are playful like young spirits of nature, dancing on vast and winding waves of freshly mown grass, like soft gusts of wind that gently tickle your heels into running action. - Arctic Drons

What we think:
With a mellow-pitched voice that is soothing, and extraordinary guitar playing, Sea In The Sky brings out memories from the early 2000 scene. The instrumentals give each track personality and shows the band’s obvious talent.

Why you should listen:
Because this type of music can hit different spots and make you go from kicking back with friends to rocking out alone. - CaliberTV

The archetype of the metalhead has changed. Or rather, no longer exists. In the 80's and 90's you may be justified in classifying metalheads as angst and anger-fueled, long haired males head to toe in black. But nowadays, the majority of our community can no longer be pinned down to such stereotypes. Over the decades, the parameters of metal has expanded and therefore so has the fanbase. The metallic gates have opened to let in the fusion of electronic, pop, rock, and more, a process which forced many metalheads to broaden their horizon towards emerging subgenres.

The reason for this intro is to combat any naysayers of the following band and album in regards to their validity within the definition of metal. I am fully aware that upon one's initial listen, Sea in the Sky sound quite distant from the heavy qualities of metal. Of course, this isn't Slayer or Cattle Decapitation. But, there are metallic traits contained in here that fit at home with other 21st century alternative, prog metal acts. I can fully understand if metalheads aren't on board with this style of music, but I believe Sea in the Sky shares many subtle similarities with the likes of high profile bands in the metal community like Dance Gavin Dance, CHON, and The Contortionist. I could imagine some crossover appeal to fans of heavy post-rock/metal acts like Pelican or Intronaut as well.

The Bay Area based band began back in 2012 as an instrumental act with musicians Cameron Stucky, Johan Guerra, Rodney Dudum, and Daniel Larsen. After releasing material throughout the following years, Sea in the Sky threw vocalist Sam Kohl and guitarist Jakob Bray (now minus Stucky) into the lineup. As I arrive at their newest full-length album, Everything All At Once, I felt it important to gloss through their previous releases and came to the conclusion that the group has gradually transitioned towards a more commercial sound, while still holding tight to their proggy roots.

"Dreamer" lays all of Sea in the Sky's cards out on the table. The slightly, sludgy distorted tone commands the song forward quirky, clean melodies and prog-driven passages. While the first half of the piece has some predictability in structure, the latter half feels more flowy and experimental. Such eccentricity of form carries on to "Pale Blue Dot," which resembles a battle between the opposing guitar and vocal melodies. Although both are catchy, they never exactly sync up. Normally this would result in messiness, but the group pull it off quite well.

As the music aspect comes off impressively, my focus began to narrow down on the lyrical content, which generally felt quite somber and self-critical. Memorable verses that stood out in my memory include "I'm crying for an early grave" from "Not Too Tall, Not Too Cool" or "there's no helping hands when you're digging nails deep" from "An Appeal to Emotion." Even though some of the lyrics may seem dramatic, Kohl does a fine job at phrasing the lyrics to fit the song. Lastly, the closing title track has likely the most catchy vocal flow on this LP. It's strange, but I feel this piece best represents what the band has to offer in terms of diversity.

To repeat, I have no intent in turning every single metalhead onto this band. Sea in the Sky's musical identity is aimed towards fans of post-rock, prog, indie, and sludge. If zero of those subgenres are within your interest, I am quite certain this group won't align with your tastes. However, if you do belong to the demographic of the styles aforementioned, this album is definitely worthy of delving into as there is impeccable creativity presented. Everything All At Once ultimately has a strong understanding of songwriting with a unique twist.

Score: 7.5/10 - Metal Injection

The musicians in Sea In The Sky have created a strikingly progressive but cohesive record with their new release, Everything All At Once. It opens up with a combination of highly technical guitar playing over heavy, pounding breakdowns, and it doesn’t let up from there. It’s memorable, catchy – and even quite fun to listen to. It’s the kind of music that makes you want to simultaneously dance and contemplate the meaning of life.

It’s solid, well constructed music. The album as a whole is an organic feeling piece of art; it’s more than just a collection of boppy tunes. It’s complex but it doesn’t go over your head. The heavy thread in the music, reminiscent of old Dance Gavin Dance or Secret Band, helps keep it interesting. The melodies in of themselves feel memorable, which is most certainly not always the case, especially in music that isn’t in your face heavy where the music itself can sometimes take a back seat to the words. In such situations, an undue amount of weight is on the words, but the members of Sea In The Sky avoid that with their new release. The music and lyrics work together quite well.

Thematically and lyrically, Everything All At Once is inventive. It uses inventive metaphors, again like Dance Gavin Dance, which again helps keep the music memorable and fresh. For example, on the track called “Night Anchor,” the band’s vocalist Sam Kohl paints a picture of going boating after the peak of the day, describing the situation in terms obviously loaded with personal meanings.

There are standout moments on pretty much every track; there is no filler here, and it all makes sense and flows together well. On “Overview Effect,” Kohl implores the object of his singing to “not pretend that everything is fine.” On “False Cods,” Kohl makes yet another statement that will make your head turn, singing, “I can’t tell what is the artist and what is the art.”

All of Kohl’s vocals are clean; Everything All At Once is heavy technical guitar playing combined with Kohl’s strong vocals. He isn’t overly high, and he isn’t overly low either – he’s a solid singer. More than just a collection of catchy songs, Everything All At Once is the anthem of a catchy band. - New Noise