Search - Seam :: Kernel

Wonderful Indie Rock

Michael B. Richman | Portland, Maine USA | 06/29/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a perfect example of why sometimes less is more. Instead of adding lame outtakes, half developed ideas or just bad songs, some bands are smart enough to just release an EP. In my opinion, Seam's "Kernel" ranks up there with the great EPs of all-time in indie/alt rock -- R.E.M.'s "Chronic Town," Archers of Loaf's "Vs. The Greatest of All Time," Pavement's "Watery Domestic," and the various Minutemen and Big Black mini-releases, etc. However, the above bands in no way help describe the sound that Seam generates. Moody yet powerful, their songs strike wonderful emotional chords without sacrificing the precision of well-crafted song structures. "Kernel," the song, is a rocker with lead singer Soo-Young Park not afraid to put his heart on his sleeve. "Sweetpea" is an earlier version of a song that appeared on their next album, "The Problem With Me," and I like this one's feel better. "Shame" is another song that appeared in an earlier incarnation on the first Seam album "Headsparks," and here it makes a lovely reprise as an acoustic ballad. Finally, there's the cover of "Driving the Dynamite Truck" -- an unknown teenage/slacker anthem. If you like good 90s rock, you will love this EP by Seam."