The Pace Is Glacial

More uptempo than any other Seam albums to follow, THE PACE IS GLACIAL suffered harsh critical review upon its release in 1998. But the members had much to live up to, finding proper replacements for Superchunk frontman Mac McCaughan and bassist Lexi Mitchell (Bitch Magnet), so founding and original member Sooyoung Park (guitarist/vocalist) took his time tying together another set of solid musicians. This album presents a sped-up version of Seam's usually lethargic melodies. At a louder level, the distorted guitars occasionally swallow up the harmonics or Park's low, whispering vocals. On the opening song "Little Change, Big City," the tune starts without a beat or vocals, led by a rumbling bass line and delicate guitar. Several seconds later, the drums chime in, popping out the layered melody and building up to the low, muffled vocals. "Get Higher," "Intifada Driving School," and "In the Sun," uphold more rigorous structures, going from deafening to slight. Despite the unfavorable reviews overall, placing "Aloha Spirit," on the last track hints at the beautiful, less hurried albums to follow. Both hello and goodbye in Hawaiian, Seam softly speaks of progress and digression.