Love-letter time. Oh, British Sea Power, how I love thee. They are a band that I know is a rock or pop band, but cannot describe beyond that. Songs about birds and water and an Antarctic ice shelf. A sort-of WWI-Eastern-Europe aesthetic. The only band newsletters worth reading.

Their live shows are earth-shattering. Not because it’s a big, flashy show or anything. Because it’s not just some guys playing songs, but a regiment on duty, working hard at whatever it is they do. I bet they can’t describe it either. But they know all what it is. I think that makes it art.

They have a new EP called Krankenhaus? out now (free mp3 on their site), and early next year will release their third album, titled Do You Like Rock Music? In celebration of this, two posts from their first album. First, some of their faster, more manic stuff. Then when I get home in a couple hours, I’ll post one of their more mellow and lyrical songs. So if you don’t like the first one, come back later.

They will come to a city near you — go see them. Throw money and candy. Oh Fyodor, you are the most attractive man…

British Sea Power - Apologies To Insect Life/Favours In The Beetroot Field from the smooch-smooch mwah-mwah I-love-you I-love-you The Decline Of British Sea Power (insound / amazon / itunes)

P.S. I love you British Sea Power

UPDATE: OK, here’s Fear Of Drowning from the same album (Jesus fucking Christ, oh God no…)

P.P.S. I think they’re great