Down To Sea Level - March 18, 2008

Seattle, WA - A little bit familiar and a lot unexpected, Lucy Bland’s Down to Sea Level fuses the dynamic range of indie rock, electronic experimentation, and the story telling of folk into this genre-defining work. Expanding on the dreamy lushness of their “… really really really cool debut EP”
(John Richards, KEXP), Down to Sea Level is the lo-fi indie anthem of your everyday.

Introspective tracks like “Crashing Waves” are dominated by intricate arrangements, blip-hop adventurousness, and bold instrumentation. Drops of melodic cello, delicate electronic ornamentation, and understated guitar chords, lending the song an aquatic, nostalgic air, compliment the vocal-driven style.

Along with the imagery of open seas, Venetian streets, and collecting driftwood, Lucy Bland proves their adaptability with the sixth track of the album. Echoing the sound of Mirah and Blonde Redhead, “Valor” combines open, naked vocals and funky, disco bass beats into a quintessentially dark and moving opus. The song is epic without overstepping dramatic boundaries.

Drawing from influences as varied as Cat Power and Hot Chip, Down to Sea Level is a versatile record that lacks only a bar code and a good home on your label. One listen and it won’t be your last. Your eardrums will thank you.