Sea Wolf 2.0

After missing their original date last year due to van problems, Sea Wolf made their way back to SLC with an appearance in support of their release Leaves in the River at Kilby Court.

While the support bands didn't offer too much of a warm up (except for Emme Packer who was brilliant)—Sea Wolf played a fantastic set.

From the first note, you knew you were in the presence of real talent.

Sea Wolf, the brainchild of front man Alex Brown Church, currently consists of Alex Brown Church, vocals and guitar; Lisa Fendelander, keyboards; Theodore Liscinski, bass; April McLean, cello; Scott McPherson, drums and Aaron Robinson, guitar.

For those of you counting at home, that's 6 members in this band.

If you've heard Sea Wolf's music, you might think it slightly overkill to have 6 people in the band to reproduce the songs live. That's what I thought. However, seeing and hearing them perform those songs demonstrated just how intricate the music really is. The subtle nuances I had not perceived in the studio recording were skillfully revealed by every member in the band. It didn't take long to see why 6 was totally appropriate.

The set included the album tracks as well as b-sides from their single Get to the River Before It Runs Too Low.

The main thought I had during the set and after the show when we had a chance to talk with the band members was, "I'm so glad that I got to see this band in this setting". It's not often that a band of this caliber plays to an audience of a few hundred people gathered in a garage. And while they're not new by any means—it's always satisfying to see a band before they break out and end up on everyone's iPod.

Because the music was so good and their stage presence so polished, it's only a matter of time until Sea Wolf gets a wider mainstream audience.

So, while they're still relatively unknown, check them out now and start listening to one of the best albums of 2007 that will become one of your favorite albums of 2008.

Seriously, this is a band that is going places.

UPDATE: If you are in town for Sundance (and have credentials) try to check out Sea Wolf at one of their appearances during the festival.

Special thanks to Daniel Singer for bringing Sea Wolf to my attention and to all the members of Team Sea Wolf 2.0 for making the trip a memorable one . . . twice.