You may know the Canadian band Seaway from their pop punk studio albums Hoser, Colour Blind or Vacation but with their newest album Big Vibe the band prepares to make waves with a new style.
Opening with “Brain in a Jar,” the album is already off to a fun and energetic start. With harmonies blending with an upbeat dancing vibe with a mix of a more rock based sound. The lyrics also have a feel good and carefree tone. “brain is in a jar but i don’t need a medic”
Following this is “Big Vibe” which is the title track of the album and the first single. Hearing it in the album as a full made me love the song even more. The fun guitars with a catchy chorus allows fans to still feel a bit of the band’s old sound while combining it with a new style!
“Mrs. David” automatically makes you feel like letting loose. This track is a great example of the late 80’s and early 90’s vibes that the band got inspiration from. The song makes me want to drive down the highway with my windows down, it’s such a fun feel good track.
“Still Blue” is another single from the album, but personally one of my favorites. It brings a refreshing catchy style but also reminds me of the band’s last album Vacation. While the lyrics don’t reflect the upbeat tone, it’s the perfect mixture of the two completely different feelings. The stand out lyrics “Got nothing to lose but I’m losing you” makes its way directly to your heart.
“Wild Things” is a bit more of a laid back track. With a groovy start, the song quickly turns into a softer tone. The lyrics tell a story of ups and downs “the sun was shining on your shoulders, I felt alive / next thing I knew we were both choking on the water”
Switching right back into an upbeat experience “Pathetic” is another one of those songs that reminds you of the pop punk roots Seaway has all while bringing in a Weezer-esque vibe. This song would be great to hear live with the punchy upbeat energy and lyrics to scream like “I kinda wanna die but that’s okay” This one is my favorite from the album!
“Sweet Sugar” keeps up the overall feel good tone of the album. At first listen this was one of those songs that made me feel so care free I was too busy dancing to even listen to the lyrics. Lead singer Ryan Locke singing “Sweet sugar you take control, it’s difficult” is absolutely captivating.
Leaning heavily into an 80s rock vibe “Peach” feels like one of those songs you just want to scream with your friends. The catchy parts you just want to belt out “So meet me in the middle soon” and “It’s feeling like a couple screws are coming loose”
“If You Let Me” goes back to a laid back style but this time with striking vocals. This is the type of song I’d love to hear at a live show and hold onto my closest friends. The lyrics make me feel so warm and reassured. The lyrics that sticks out so much “Don’t give into the summertime blues”
Immediately making me move my head is the punchy track “Wicked” once again let’s fans get some of the pop punk vibes but also lets the band showcase what else they can do. There’s parts that make you wish you were at a gig getting to pit, but also parts where you just want the music to absorb you.
“Sick Puppy” is the final track on the album and I think it’s the perfect ending. It starts out slower, it’s light. But within seconds Seaway brings back their classic catchy chorus and upbeat vibes. This is the best example of how the band’s sound has evolved but still keeps a bit of their older traits.
Big Vibe is the beginning of a new sound for Seaway and it showcases their talent perfectly. The album gives the feel-good vibe we all need! This will absolutely be a staple album for Seaway.
