If you are not familiar with the English trio known as South yet, it is my strong opinion that you do so, and quickly. My first exposure to these guys came in the form of the song "Here on in" off of their 2nd record From Here on In. Stylistically the song was simply a cool acoustic song with great harmonies and melody, but something in the music and vocals resonated with me enough to go on a search for the record. What I found was more of the same - quiet acoustic guitars, vocal harmony, orchestration, and tracks upon tracks of layered guitars. I was impressed.
Upon the release of With the Tides I didn't know what to expect. I read several reviews stating the record was mediocre on the whole and added nothing new to the South repertoire of songs. I'm not sure where these reviewers stand on South as a whole, but I think this record is even better than their last two in nearly every aspect. Every foundation the band laid with their past records they have expanded on. The production is overwhelmingly clear but dark and brooding; the guitars cascade and add so much texture to the songs and the synth provides the backbone to many of the songs structure.
With the Tides far more dark in sound than From Here on In and even the upbeat drumming of the opening track, "Motiveless Crime" is quickly the backbeat to the haunting strings and synthesizers that propel the song. On the song "Nine Lives" Joel Cadbury's vocals are smooth and soothing enough to lure a baby to sleep as a harp is plucked delicately in a dream-like fashion. However, the record is not all slow and dreamy. Tracks like "Colours in Waves" and "Same old Story" offer up a chance for South to show off their affinity for bands like The Verve and The Stone Roses with up tempo songs and danceable beats. Of course the trademark melody is there, but these songs offer a different insight into the band than the rest of the record.
The days of South being relatively unknown are coming to an end and With the Tides is a sign of these times. South has been getting played on the popular evening teen drama, The OC on a semi-frequent basis and they are often played on Fuse TV's "indie" show. This is not unwarranted though as South have come a long way since their inception and have made great strides in their music. With the Tides is a great record all around and a definite leap from "From here on in." Those who love dark sounding British rock bands with an affinity for dream-pop should look no further than South.
