Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
Remember first hearing Weezer¹s Pinkerton and being stumped before slowly
appreciating the record? Sunrise With Seamonsters is a little bit like that. It may take a few listens before the scope of the record becomes
apparent, not that I didn¹t enjoy this record on the first listen. With each
subsequent listen, however, it got better until it finally dawned on me that
there was a lot more profundity to the record than I originally thought. From the range of the vocals, to the unexpected tempo changes, subtle backing vocals and slick instrumental interludes, there is a lot to take in here raw, even harsh quality rarely found on similar releases. Combining the best of Ozma and Pinkerton-era Weezer, Life Of Pi deliver an album full of
singalong goodness that gets even better with time. Highly recommended. - Issue #59
This new Bay area outfit displays a rather narrow avenue of fuzzed-out pop-rock expression. Further, they wear their influences on their collective sleeve. It's lucky for them, then, that they're nothing short of excellent at what they do. It would be extremely easy to write off Life of Pi as a Weezer clone; all you have to do is overlook the less obvious inspiration of a few other hip inspirations (The Pixies, The Vaselines, Sloan), and the fact that Sunrise with Seamonsters is actually better than anything The Big W has released since Pinkerton. Yes, the fuzz is nearly identical, and yes, they tend to rely on the old, waltzy 1-2-3, 1-2-3 beat a little more than is prudent. But these 13 raw but sweet, familiar but fresh, ironic but sincere tracks comprise one hell of an accomplished and addictive debut. ****(4 Stars) - Scott Harrell
I really enjoyed becoming acquainted with “Sunrise with Seamonsters”. With their quirky lyrics and buoyant arrangements, Life of Pi have crafted an infectious brand of alternative pop/rock. Their indie, college radio sound has the potential to appeal to a wide audience of people… In short this music is fun.
I was instantly hooked with the wonderfully titled, opening “Life of Pi”. This Ozma/Weezer-reminiscent little shanty freewheels atop a wall of grunge and throaty vocals. And though you may not have a clue what’s being said, the disc continues to deliver with “Marisol”. I don’t think I’ve ever liked a song so much that I couldn’t understand (with the exception of most Radiohead songs). I’d have to say, though, that my favorite track is definitely “See Level”. With it’s wistful, retro-esque sound, this is the type of melody that plays itself out in your head long after the song has finished. All in all, “Sunrise with Seamonsters” is a wonderful breath of alternative nostalgia.
- Ryan Hoffer, A&R
Discography
Sunrise with Seamonsters LP - recorded and released summer '03
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Tampa: burgeoning Cultural Scene or Desolate Wasteland? -A Question still to be answered, perhaps by the four men who came together in 2002 to become Life of Pi. Stephen Hammill had been gone from his native New York for two years, working as a bookseller trying to start a small record label somewhere warm and inviting. Eventually he started compiling songs he had recorded for a demo, with the idea of starting a new band. The search brought him to Ben Coia, another recent refugee from the North. Ben, former guitarist and front man for Rotating Leslie, was also looking to get back in the saddle. The two met via the Internet (strange days indeed) and things were off to a running start. The search for a rhythm section began, and after a few unsuccessful try-outs, Ben remembered a name from his past. Sheldon Courtney had been playing bass in various bands but when contacted hadn't been active for a while. He in fact had sold his Rig - but the demo was enough to convince him to get on board. The three started practicing in earnest, looking for a drummer to complete the circle. Bri Pi arrived from the Chicago punk scene in the nick of time. A drummer with uncanny instincts and lightening-quick chops, Bri-Pi (aka "thunder hands") brought a last, polished piece to the puzzle. A Name was all that was left to find. That, and an audience, which brings us back to the first question... Tampa, what will it be?
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