Texas based rockers The Herald have arrived with their newest album Sea of Strangers, the follow up to their previous release Growing Room (2016).
Sea of Strangers is a sonic novel describing and exploring a relationship between two people. With that in mind, each of the 11 tracks included on this record can be easily related to by pretty much anyone. Backed by a foundation of atmospheric indie rock, enticing melodies pull the emotions while the rhythms keep us locked in groove and the vocals bring the story of this particular relationship to life.
Sea of Strangers (the lead single) kicks off this concept album with a funky guitar riff, an infectious rhythm, a powerful vocal performance and a memorable hook that is as lyrically profound as it is sonically catchy.
…caught in a sea of people that mean nothing to me…”
Chemical Imbalance features a passionate and captivating vocal performance, an aural intensity that will keep your attention locked in, and some really sweet and interesting guitar tones which add texture to an already jam packed sonic layer cake. The songs climaxes around the 4:15 mark with a dramatic build up that will leave you anxiously waiting for the next song.
…hopefully Spotify’s ads don’t delay that wait for you 😉
Deep Breaths opens with an excellent guitar melody which transforms into a slower, soul-infused soundscape carried by an impactful vocal performance. The song picks up around 2:00 and I guarantee you will feel your energy lift as the melodious guitars intensify.
All’s Well That Ends Well, the final chapter of this sonic story, is a potent ballad with a soaring lead guitar, a growing dissonance that metamorphs into a warm and welcoming sonic landscape and a beautifully executed instrumental break for an apt ending to this strong album.
Although I only touched on a few of the 11 tracks featured on the record, I can’t really choose a favorite.
Sea of Strangers is best experienced from beginning to end.
The Herald consists of Tanner Bowden (lead vox, guitar), Chris Fernandez (vox, bass), Ben Claffey (lead guitar) and Ryan LaLone (drums, percussion).
You can connect directly with the band on FB or their official website.
