‘All In My Head’ is the latest EP from Ontario’s Seaway, released on Pure Noise Records this November. The Canadian quintet are considered as one of the most exciting new pop-punk acts in North America right now and no doubt these four tracks will add to their momentum.
So what makes them so appealing? They play fast, fun, and relatively simple pop-punk that will strike a chord with huge numbers of teenagers. It’s as simple as that. Whilst it’s not hugely original, in fact we’ve heard similar three chord efforts from hundreds of bands over the last decade, it’s instant and catchy from the off. Tracks such as ‘The Let Down’ and ‘Your Best Friend’ are the perfect example of this. The band kick into a big hook early on, chug through a relatable verse and then smash into a huge chorus melody. This formula has worked well for label mates Hit The Lights and, more recently, State Champs and this EP is well suited for that same crowd.
There’s a big ‘But’ here though and this definitely applies for those who have known the band longer. Their debut album, 2013’s ‘Hoser’, certainly had more energy and far more character. Tracks such as ‘No Direction’ and ‘Keep Your Stick On The Ice’ have more of an edge than we hear on new tracks ‘Alberta’ and ‘If I Came Back To You’. As a result there’s a real element of safety in their Pure Noise debut. You struggle to hear where the band have taken a risk at times. Where is their really distinguishable features or trademarks here?
We’ve no doubt that this EP will find new fans, but it may disappoint those drawn to the evident passion displayed in ‘Hoser’. Following a formula works to a point but Seaway would do well to re-discover that energy from here.