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By: Bill Clifford
Apocalypse Cow Vol.1 (Razcalz Recordz), the third full-length recording from SeepeopleS, delivers the band's psychedelic pop-rock amalgamation of styles that's not much of a stretch from the Flaming Lips. Bandleader/vocalist Will Bradford’s penchant for social commentary is finely tuned, and producer Will Holland keeps everything clean on this solid effort that finds SeepeopleS on the cusp of a larger audience.
Bradford has said Cow is a "deeply personal" recording that captured changes in his life that seemed "to coincide with world events." Opener "Don’t Panic" is melodically moody and a lyrically introspective tale about the end of the world. Bradford's effects drenched vocals only add to perilous atmosphere. The upbeat title track is a stark contrast to "Don't Panic" full of synthetic glockenspiel and direct shots at George W. Bush with lines like "And when someone fell, he was the first to write their folks a nice letter."
"Last Sane Man" and "Don't Be So Long" are fine, acoustic sugarcoated nuggets, while "The Sun Is With You" has Beach Boys harmonies. Psychedelic rock returns on "My Friends," "Stranded on the Sidewalk" and even the poppy "Holding," which again ruminates on the end of the world. "Someday Robots" is the album's most infectious track, an acoustic pop tune which beseeches, "Someday robots will make us happy. Do you trust this?" Taking one "Last Breath," Bradford reflects on where it all went wrong on a grandiose cut reminiscent of Pink Floyd. Bathed in elegant strings and doubled vocals, "Say Goodbye" is the atmospheric conclusion that leaves the earth in search of a new home.
Despite its often dour themes, Apocalypse Cow Vol. 1 is an engrossing and stimulating CD that grows with repeated listens and study of its lyrics.
JamBase | Massachusetts
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