The Evolving Soundscape of Seefeel
A Snapshot of Experimentation
In the realm of Seefeel, nothing is ever truly complete. Their songs serve as mere snapshots of ongoing experiments, capturing a process that is perpetually in motion. The musical landscape they create often feels as though it has been unfolding for eons, characterized by a glacial and cosmic pace. Within this soundscape, one might encounter a disembodied guitar fragment, an isolated drumbeat, or a solitary note from Sarah Peacock’s ethereal voice. A deep, resonant bass pulse acts as the gravitational center, while various sonic elements drift like shrapnel, forming tentative constellations. The forces shaping these sounds remain elusive, their methods arcane and their processes inscrutable.
Unveiling the Cosmic Dub
Throughout their career, Seefeel—currently a duo comprising Peacock and multi-instrumentalist Mark Clifford—has provided insights into their unique cosmological dub. The track “Utreat,” released in 1995, exemplifies their minimalist approach, serving as a bridge between their previous work, Succour, and the following year’s album (Ch-vox). This song was later reimagined in a stripped-down version titled “Utreat (Complete).” The box set Rupt and Flex (1994-96), released three years ago, further explored their overlapping sessions, revealing multiple versions of familiar tracks that defy conventional structures. In these versions, drum parts might shift unexpectedly to the foreground or recede into the background, while feedback morphs into new shapes. At times, it seemed the band manipulated the playback speed, coaxing different frequencies from the tape with each iteration.
Squared Roots: A New Dimension
Squared Roots offers a clearer yet still enigmatic glimpse into Seefeel’s recombinant philosophy. This new album consists of seven tracks derived from the same materials that formed their previous release, Everything Squared, which was their first new album in 13 years. Although Squared Roots is slightly shorter, the addition of an extra track hints at the way Seefeel’s sounds evolve and multiply, reminiscent of bacteria in a Petri dish.
The Balance of Thump and Shimmer
Much like Everything Squared, Squared Roots maintains a balance of approximately 50 percent thumping rhythms and 50 percent shimmering textures. Dull, thudding kick drums lay the groundwork, while bass swells complement them. The remaining sonic landscape consists of distorted guitars and wordless vocals, both stretched, smeared, and dubbed to the point of abstraction. In this context, the guitars evoke images of freight-train whistles or gentle breezes, while Peacock’s vocals resemble celestial sighs. The relationship between the earlier tracks and these new explorations remains ambiguous: are these rough drafts, alternate takes, or glimpses into parallel dimensions?
Conclusion
Seefeel’s music embodies a unique approach to sound creation, where each track serves as a momentary glimpse into an expansive process. Their ability to transform sonic elements into abstract forms allows listeners to experience a musical cosmos that feels both familiar and infinitely distant. With each new release, they continue to blur the lines between past and present, draft and final product, inviting exploration into the ever-evolving nature of their art.
FAQs
What is Seefeel known for musically?
Seefeel is known for their unique blend of ambient, shoegaze, and dub influences, creating expansive soundscapes that feel like ongoing experiments.
Who are the current members of Seefeel?
The current lineup of Seefeel consists of vocalist Sarah Peacock and producer/multi-instrumentalist Mark Clifford.
What is the significance of the album titles like Everything Squared and Squared Roots?
The titles suggest a thematic exploration of the band’s sonic evolution, with “squared” implying both a mathematical playfulness and a reflection on their musical processes.
How does Seefeel’s music challenge traditional song structures?
Seefeel’s music often defies conventional song structures by presenting tracks as snapshots of ongoing creative processes, allowing for a fluid interpretation of sound and form.