Eagle*Seagull

Eagle*Seagull

(Paper Garden)

Record Review by Michele Fair

George Carlin once said that the love song was a subject well too worn out in the music world.  If he still believes that, then Eagle*Seagull just might be the band that could drive the dark comedian over the edge.  Their self-titled full-length debut is meticulously orchestrated, with some well-produced songs with epic structures, leading the listener to believe that something wonderful is about to happen.  Eli Mardock’s vocal work is passionate in a soft-toned way, verging on breaking at nearly every note.  This is a serious band, but their message gets muffled at times by the overdoing of lusty overtones and the lack of a clear purpose in the choice of words.  Many of the tracks on Eagle*Seagull are sexually charged, but in an almost adolescent way.  For example, “It’s So Sexy” muses, “When your makeup runs down your cheeks / You look so hot,” and on the meaninglessness goes for a seven-minute stretch (it’s the longest track on the album). 

The album does have its high points.  “Your Beauty Is A Knife I Turn On My Throat” is the catchiest of all the tracks, with terrific combos of guitar licks and bouncy piano; in fact, the entire album uses the piano to its advantage.  Although “Your Beauty…” repeats the worshipful tone, it has endearing points that give it a twist of ironic darkness, making it very palatable.  Eagle*Seagull’s debut is chock full of well-done songs that combine an alt-country twang and a psychedelic tone.  Just be sure you’re prepared for the mushiness.