Cymbient - Out On The Waves (Surk)
3/5
By: Sofie Jenkinson
What is obvious from the title of this record also remains a constant theme throughout it. A little more Welsh coast than say West Coast, but this lot could certainly give the sun soaked guitar wielding surfers of America (and beyond) a run for their money.
There are many people of the mindset that surf-rock as a whole is not really a hard game, and is certainly easier than the sport it takes its ethos from. Sure, it seems like it's all sing songs around the beach BBQs and blonde girls two a penny for these surfer types, but when serious music making gets involved I'm sure that the 'laid back vibe' is not as easy to get on tape as everyone thinks. Liquid sunshine on tape doesn't happen by magic, I am sure.
There is a very definite Welsh quirk in the sound of Cymbient, opener 'Dress The Salad' illustrates this most clearly with its lilting beat and off kilter vocal style, setting them apart from the rusty old sea dogs of the west. In some ways the disposition seems to be sunnier and certainly more unique.
The gentle 'A Different Love' shows a softer side to the record, showcasing the vocal abilities within the band and helping to layer the record with a variety of tones. There are other moments, on 'Truculent' for example where it all seems more valley's rock than surfers musing, which is seemingly not the strongest suit. On the whole however the pattern remains strong and the relaxed golden vibes of the band shine through the rest. More of a picnic than a grab you by the face kind of a record, but god knows life needs a good one of them once in a while.
Artists in this article: Cymbient
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