The cover of Austin’s The Calm Blue Sea‘s debut EP [MySpace] says it all: this simple image promises the listener a beautiful but haunting trip through the most expansive and unpredictable terrains on Earth, the ocean. The opening track, “We Happy Few”, very much like the sea itself, ebbs and flows beginning with barely audible piano that gains in force until the true melody is heard. After a brief time, a big fuzzy guitar line swoops in and the entire band joins like a raging torrent (and now I don’t mean of the bit variety).

All of the instruments seem to take on a life and element of their own. The crashing sound of cymbals takes on the sound of waves rock against a boat. The guitars are high and melodic, yet fierce like the wind itself. One of the key elements on the album, and in the band’s overall sound, is the use of piano and keyboards. Not only does this help them stand out from a crop of great instrumental acts (Don Cab, Explosions in the Sky, This Will Destroy You, etc) but it provides the emotional core for the music being played.

Although mostly an instrumental band, the EP does feature vocals in some spots. However, they have been reduced to a Jeremy Eniqk style howl. This effect when placed along side the music produces a siren like chorus. It serves to show the listener how far they are off the mainland and the problems of other people. “Literal” is a fine example of just such an effect. It of course works beautifully.

The Calm Blue Sea’s debut EP shows a band in full control. They have a very defined head space and a world they like working in. Each of these six songs are wonderfully crafted and constructed; each note, each noise and squeal exists for a reason. In short, it is a wonderful album and a natural fit for instrumental rock fans, dreamers and for those of us who just want to get away from it all. and live in another world for a while.

[mp3] The Calm Blue Sea – “The Rivers that Run Beneath this City”

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