Description
The self-titled, official debut album by the American indie rock band Serene was released on ARRCO (Arena Rock Recording Company) in 2002, licensed to and marketed by Rykodisc. (The original recording of this album was entitled Beggars Of The Sea and was independently released on Lewis Hollow Records in 2000. The album was later re-recorded with different personnel and track order/selection and this time released by ARRCO.) The album was recorded and mixed by band member Jesse Sprinkle of Poor Old Lu fame at Mammoth Studios in Dansville, New York; with Sprinkle and lead vocalist Ryan Beatty producing.
Featuring Ryan Beatty on vocals and guitars with Sydney Rentz of Morella’s Forest fame providing additional vocals, Matt Greene on piano with Brian Moore providing additional keyboards, Joel Votaw on bass (both Moore and Votaw of Seven Head Division), and Jesse Sprinkle on drums and vocals.
I’m not a very emotional guy. In fact, there are those who probably feel that I lack any emotions at all. But this new disc from Serene just has me flying high. This is perhaps one of the most beautiful albums I’ve heard in a long time. I hesitate to use the word “pretty” because of all the connotations that brings with it, but the songs on this disc are pretty. Not in a soft rock, love ballad kind of way. This disc is filled with jangly swirling guitars, soaring melodies and lots of emotion.
Serene is primarily the work of Ryan Beatty, a 21-year old who has listened intently to the music of bands like Sunny Day Real Estate, capturing the essence of 90s era emo without merely cloning what he has heard. And he has brought together a great group of musicians, including drummer Jesse Sprinkle, as well as a guest shot from Morella’s Forest vocalist Sydney Rentz (who adds a nice touch with vocals on songs like «The Angels are on Our Side»). Members of 7 Head Division are also along for the ride.
Even at its heaviest, there is an airiness about this music, and unlike most bands steeped in the emo tradition; it is delivered without the typical self-centered hand wringing and emotional writhing. This music is introspective, but Beatty isn’t moping. Many of the songs are about broken and lost relationships, with a nod to what might have been, but there is an inherent hope and optimism buried just beneath the surface. And there is an element of spirituality. As for those of us who are Christians, Beatty throws down the gauntlet in songs like «Last Words of a Fallen Angel», trying to spur us on to a faith with teeth. Not just a faith based on what we have been told to believe by our parents or a particular denomination, but a faith that we have thoughtfully worked through on our own.
Arena Rock was wise in picking up this band that is already making a splash at college radio. This is an album any fan of well-crafted indie-pop will want in their CD player. [Ken Mueller, The Phantom Tollbooth, 10/21/02]
> Apple Music (Independent Edition: https://music.apple.com/sg/album/beggars-of-the-sea/1564544106)
CD tracklist:
01. A Fallen Angel
02. Beggars Of The Sea
03. Wars And Rumors Of Wars
04. Interlude
05. Sir Tumnus
06. The Angels Are On Our Side
07. Admiral Of The Oceans And Viceroy Of India
08. Truth Never Fears Exposure To The Light
09. Myths And Fables
10. Last Words Of A Fallen Angel
11. Internationals
12. You Are Like That Friend To Me
13. Autumn
Note: ARRCO Edition available at Bandcamp: https://jessesprinkle.bandcamp.com/album/serene
Serene, Beggars Of The Sea
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