Seabird makes a moves from the ocean to the river
Posted by The Skyliner on February 3rd, 2010Taylor Edwards
Staff Writer
Christian alternative rock quartet Seabird, a group comprised of members Aaron Morgan, Ryan Morgan, Preston Lane and Brandon Weaver, released their sophomore album Rocks Into Rivers on Dec. 15 2009. It has only been a little over a year since their debut, ‘Til We See the Shore, but since that time the band from Cincinnati, Ohio has been working hard on this second effort.
Written and recorded seemingly quickly, Rocks Into Rivers nevertheless is far from a struggling band’s second effort to achieve fame. The men of Seabird have already experienced their fair share of popularity beginning with their debut album. Some of their achievements in the music world include being featured as No. 1 on TVU’s Most Wanted, having their music being used on lead promos for ABC’s 12-time Emmy nominated Pushing Daisies and having their music appear on shows such as Grey’s Anatomy.
Rocks Into Rivers continues the Seabird tradition of containing lyrics which come head to head with issues in today’s culture. The members of Seabird have never been ashamed to show where they stand on difficult subjects, while other bands might back away from such a challenge. In ‘Til We See the Shore, there appear lyrics such as the following: “And don’t think you can bring those kids in this house/Don’t walk away from me, don’t put words in my mouth/If you use that kind of language in here, out you go/If you smoke that cigarette in here, out you go.”
These words seem to tell the story of a parent talking to a child. In today’s popular culture, talking to children this way is usually discouraged because the rising generation is being taught that kids are in control. Seabird kicks against this common belief and incorporates strong and often controversial lyrics into their music. Rocks Into Rivers does not stray from this pattern, but continues to speak strongly of the importance of family in particular. According to Aaron Morgan, the lead singer of the band, “this album is a lot about becoming a father and a husband.”
As far as the actual music is concerned, Rocks Into Rivers is similar to the first album, featuring catchy piano lines, happily floating guitar melodies, easy-to-remember lyrics and even a little banjo. At first, Seabird seems like the kind of band that one lumps into the pile of generic, sing-songy bands, but a more critical listen allows one to see what an amazing thing Seabird has going on. They take every element of the common alternative rock band and somehow transform it into a medley of beautiful music that can only be described as purely Seabird.
Rocks Into Rivers marks a huge step in the lives of Seabird’s members. As an already established group, they have been able to explore even more of who they are as a band, instead of worrying about whether they will be a success or not. What stands out most about this album is not only how Seabird has matured musically, but the way Aaron Morgan’s heart is laid open in the lyrics for his listeners.
Tags: Spring 2010, Vol. 110 - Issue 2