The battering forward momentum of The Sea at Midnight’s latest single ‘Burning’, alongside its churning arrangement, are fitting accompaniment for the song’s environmental message about the effect of climate change.
The post-punk-meets-shoegaze sound of ‘Burning’ is courtesy of the Los Angeles-based outfit The Sea at Midnight, spearheaded by songwriter Vince Grant, in collaboration with Marco Cattani of Chemical Waves. Together, both musicians are going on a call for action, a plea for a reversal of sorts to all the damage being done to the planet.
Musically, ‘Burning’ is large and bold, demanding as much attention and displaying as much presence as the topic it puts forth. With a simple rhythm, a common time, slow-to-mid tempo groove, and a pair of familiar, seesawing chords, the composition of ‘Burning’ does not put intricacy on the top of its list of priorities. However, the urgent attitude to the yelled, memorable vocal melodies, the direct lyrics, the massive waves of granular and dusty pads, the immensely heavy snare hits, and the general gravity of all the performances all make for a listen that’s exquisitely balanced. ‘Burning’, simple as it might seem at first, is an emotionally hefty piece of music.
The Sea at Midnight are bringing us a song that’s not short of being one of the year’s most involved and profound pieces of indie rock and shoegaze. With a message and a set of deliveries that easily elevate the song, ‘Burning’ is an unforgettable plea for change.
