With ‘Another State’, London-based Seafarers return to deliver yet another captivating chapter in their evolving musical narrative. Known for blending elements of indie-rock, chamber-pop, and jazz, the six-piece band pushes deeper into the emotional landscapes of early adulthood with their third studio album. The band, long celebrated for their collaborative chemistry, first captured listeners with their 2018 debut ‘Orlando’, followed by ‘II’, a reflection on the complexities of adolescence. Now, ‘Another State’ offers a raw and reflective look at the tumultuous transition from youth to adulthood and across ten story-like tracks, Seafarers paint vivid portraits of characters in flux, caught between newfound freedom and feelings of isolation as they stumble through life’s major thresholds.
The album opens with ‘Bedwetters’, which serves as an impeccable and confident opener to the album, setting the tone with a sense of poise and mastery that immediately captures the listener’s attention. From the very first note, this song showcases the high level of artistry and technical prowess, both in its performance and production, that Seafarers are known for, as well as laying the groundwork for what’s to come. The vocals are delivered with both grace and conviction, and possess a warmth and clarity that effortlessly carry the emotional weight of the song. The line, “You told me ‘hey kid, don’t sweat it, I’ve been wetting the bed sheets all my life’” immediately signals the album’s central theme- navigating the messy, uncertainty of growing up.
Title-track ‘Another State’ introduces a more playful and lively melody, with a rhythmic, upbeat percussion that gives the song an inviting, buoyant energy. The lightness of the melody creates a sense of fun and spontaneity into the mix. As the song progresses, the harmonies gradually unfold, adding layers of richness and texture to the sound, which enhances its depth and complexity. These harmonies intertwine seamlessly, building a sense of fullness that envelops the listener and gives the track a warmth and vibrancy that is immediately engaging.
The overall tone of the song feels noticeably more optimistic, radiating a sense of hope and positivity, while maintaining the intricate musical craftsmanship that runs throughout the album. This playful and uplifting nature of the track invites the listener to relax and enjoy its lighthearted charm, while still appreciating the skilful layering that adds emotional resonance and a deeper musical experience.
While ‘Another State’ doesn’t shy away from life’s darker, more existential moments- love, money, sex, and faith serving as crutches for coping- it also finds room for optimism. The closing track, ‘A Little Loss’, offers a moment of quiet acceptance, reminding us that not all of life’s mysteries are meant to be solved.
In this record, Seafarers skillfully balance bittersweet introspection with moments of light, creating a record that is as relatable as it is introspective. Their latest effort is both a reflection on life’s inevitable uncertainties and a tribute to the resilience required to keep moving forward—making it a deeply rewarding listen.
