 on vocals and guitars, alongside singer Beth Cassidy (Section 25), Sea Fever have...){kind=link}
Fronted by Iwan Gronow (Haven, Johnny Marr) on vocals and guitars, alongside singer Beth Cassidy (Section 25), Sea Fever have made quite a name for themselves since the release of their debut album, Folding Lines, in 2021. With the release of their highly anticipated second album, Surface Sound, fast approaching, the supergroup – also featuring Elliot Barlow on drums, and Tom Chapman and Phil Cunningham of New Order, with Tom on bass and synth, and Phil on guitar – made a triumphant return to the Cinemac in Macclesfield on Saturday 29th March.
The five-piece kicked off their set with ‘Breaking Out’, the second single from Surface Sound. Bursting with energy, it set the tone for the night ahead, and it’s clear to see why the band selected it as the opening track for the album. Blending infectious energy with powerful instrumentation, ‘Built to Last’ followed, leading seamlessly into another new track. Titled ‘Trigger Us’, the upbeat anthem perfectly captures Sea Fever’s signature sound and has all the makings of a future single.
A fan favourite, the intense yet captivating ‘Afterthought’ was next, featuring a dynamic exchange between Iwan and Beth during the verses, that builds to a powerful, unified delivery on the explosive chorus. Driven by Elliot’s pounding beat, ‘Under Duress’ kept the energetic tempo of the set rolling, its dynamic, multi-layered sound further enhanced by the smooth, harmonious vocals of Iwan and Beth.
‘Thrills, Kicks & Lies’ came next, with Beth’s angelic vocals leading the charge, accompanied funky guitar licks, and a brooding beat, before the band delved into two more new tracks: ‘Shouldn’t Have Been This Way’ and ‘Truth Dare’. While the former pulsed with a magnetic bass-line from Tom, alongside Phil’s enthralling guitar work, the latter showcased the collaborative heart of Sea Fever – from the combination of each member’s exceptional talent, to the genuine joy they exude when performing together.
At a Sea Fever show, the energy never falters, and the trance-like ‘Le Coup’ – with Beth on lead vocals – is a shining example, always sparking the crowd into action. ‘Go to Ground’ came next, and while it’s technically a new track, the band performed it live a few times last year, making it feel like a familiar favourite. The song also introduced a new dimension to Iwan’s vocals, showcasing a broader range and proving just how much his vocal abilities have evolved. Starting with an ominous synth, ‘Sincere to Some’ immediately grabbed attention. Though Iwan is best known as Johnny Marr’s bassist, his evolution into a frontman with Sea Fever has been nothing short of remarkable. With its irresistible hook, ‘Sincere to Some’ became a standout moment for him, as he confidently set aside his guitar and moved freely across the stage, mic in hand and occasionally wielding a megaphone.
Released as a standalone single in 2022, the synth-driven ‘Dilemma’ is perhaps the track that most closely mirrors New Order’s production style. Blending deep, heavy basslines, crisp guitar, and intertwining pop melodies, it showcases Iwan and Beth’s vocals in a more contrasting manner than usual. Putting Tom in the spotlight as he doubled up with synths and programming on top of his bass duties, ‘De Facto’ closed the set with an explosion of energy. Crafted as a bold declaration to voice your beliefs and fearlessly fill the silence, the track’s frantic energy never lets up. A crowd favourite, it effortlessly ignites movement, keeping everyone on their feet.
Despite the challenges of finding time to come together, Sea Fever continue to grow stronger – both musically and in their live performances. The undeniable chemistry between the band members fuels their infectious energy, and the joy they share while playing together is something that will never fade. With their highly anticipated second album, Surface Sound, on the horizon, it’s clear that it will be a triumph – one that highlights their evolution, creativity, and ever-expanding musical range. Sea Fever’s journey is only just beginning, and their future sounds more exciting than ever.
Remaining tickets for the band’s in-store performances and Manchester album launch are on sale here.
Surface Sound is available in multiple formats – including CD, vinyl, and digital – from the band’s official website.
